This module gives learners step-by-step guidance and support to design and write up a project that seeks to investigate or respond to a current problem or issue faced in the criminal justice sector. Learners will be introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative research method techniques that will aid their investigation of a current issue. Learners will also develop practical skills and competencies in the retrieval, analysis and writing up of quantitative and qualitative data.

In Semester 1, learners can expect to gain understanding and practical experience of: Designing a qualitative research project that proposes to investigate or respond to a current criminal justice sector issue/problem using qualitative research techniques. Learners will attend practical lectures and workshops where they will gain understanding and practical experience of various qualitative analysis techniques (likely to include thematic analysis; discourse analysis; narrative analysis)

Semester 1 assessment, students will complete the following:

i) Ethics Form for a qualitative project (750 words)

ii) Qualitative Findings Report

Report documents learner’s ability to analyse and interpret qualitative data (the findings will be completed as part of workshop activities) (750 words)

Coursework meets learning outcomes 1 & 2

Semester 2 assessment, students will complete a Quantitative assignment with the following sections:

iii a) Review of relevant literature and identification of gaps in body of knowledge (500 words).

iii b) Design a quantitative research project by mapping out methodological considerations pertaining to a quantitative project (500 words)

iii c) write up quantitative findings that demonstrate learners’ ability to analyse and interpret quantitative findings - (the findings will be based on activities completed as part of workshop activities) (500 words)

Coursework meets learning outcomes 3

Opportunities for formative feedback provided throughout the module, learners given feedback on formative assessment during workshops

Students will be introduced to a range of discrete problems or issues facing the criminal justice sector as inspiration for their own proposed research projects.

Learners will attend lectures and practical workshops that offer step-by step guidance around the processes of designing a project that will respond to the specific problem or issue that learners are proposing to tackle.

Lectures and practical workshops will outline and give learners the experience of how to search and write a review of literature, designing research questions, aims and objectives.

Learners will sample a range of qualitative and quantitative research techniques via several research methods carousels (e.g. elicitation techniques; life history; archival research; group interviews; semi structured interviews; desk-based analysis social media posts or policy documents; online survey; observation; Freedom of Information requests; official statistical datasets)

Learners will attend a lecture where they will be introduced to the university ethical guidelines and receive guidance around completing a proportionate ethics form. During the workshop, students will have the opportunity to discuss potential ethical considerations, moral dilemmas that might arise from their proposed investigation and have the chance to outline potential strategies to minimise and manage ethical considerations that could arise from their proposed project.

Learners will be equipped with the practical skills and experience of retrieving, analysing, interpreting and presenting both quantitative and qualitative data.

Learners will attend workshops devoted to quantitative data handling. Sessions are likely to include: an introduction to SPSS; descriptive statistics and graphs; interpreting data; performing a range of tests on quantitative data including – T-tests and non-parametric tests; Anovas, Chi Square and Correlation.

Students will also attend practical workshops focusing on qualitative data handling. Sessions are likely to include: transcribing group and one-to-one interviews; and an introduction to a range of techniques for analysing qualitative data, likely to include: creating an index and applying codes to data; discourse analysis; thematic and narrative analysis

Learners will have two practical workshops that will focus on how to write up findings from qualitative and quantitative data

Learners will attend coursework briefings and have the opportunity to consult tutors on their assignment.

Learners will be encouraged to participate in formative assessment opportunities via an elevator pitch to present project progress and receive verbal formative feedback

60 hours teaching

Semester 1 - 2 hours x 12 weeks

Semester 2 - mix of 2 hour and 3 hour sessions – over 12 weeks

16 additional hours for PDP across x2 semesters

Module Learning Outcome

1. Demonstrate ability to design a qualitative research project by completing an ethics form

University Learning Outcome

Application; Enquiry; problem solving

Module Learning Outcome

2. Analyse and interpret qualitative data and communicate findings in a report using Harvard referencing style

University Learning Outcome

Learning; Application; Analysis; communication

Module Learning Outcome

3. Write up a quantitative project report communicating quantitative findings in a report using Harvard referencing style

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and understanding; Enquiry; Communication; learning; application; analysis; communication

A flat lecture/workshop computer lab/room flexible enough for paired and small group work and a computer and projector for tutor led PowerPoint presentations

Computer labs need SPSS and NVIVO installed on PCS

Blackboard Virtual environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook

Bell, J., and Waters, S., (2018). Doing your Research project: A Guide for First Time Researchers. Seventh Edition. Open University Press

Bryman, A., (2015). Social Research methods. Fifth Edition. Oxford. Oxford University Press

Field, A., (2018). Discovering Statistics using SPSS. Fifth Edition. London. Sage

Hagan FE., (2014). Research methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Ninth edition. Harlow. Pearson

Knapp, H., (2017). Introductory Statistics Using SPSS. London. Sage

Mason, J., (2018). Qualitative Researching. Third Edition. London. Sage

May, T., (2011). Social Research, Issues Methods and Process. Fourth Edition. Buckingham. Open University Press

Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., McNaughton Nicholls, C and Ormston, R., (2014). Qualitative Research Practice A guide for social science students and researchers. London. Sage

Silver, CB., and Lewins A., (2014). Using Software in Qualitative Research. Fifth edition. London. Sage

Silverman, D., (2017). Doing Qualitative Research. Fifth Edition. London. Sage

Silverman, D., (2015). Interpreting Qualitative Data. Fifth Edition. London. Sage

Thomas, G., (2017). How to do your Research Project: A guide for Students. Third Edition. London. Sage

N/A

Learners will receive step-by-step guidance and support to design and write up a project that seeks to investigate or respond to a current problem or issue faced in the criminal justice sector. Learners will be introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative research method techniques that will aid their investigation of a current issue. Learners will also develop practical skills and competencies in the retrieval, analysis and writing up of quantitative and qualitative data.