Faculty of Business and Law

School: Law and Justice

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Qualitative Research Methods in Criminology & Justice
  • Unit Code

    CRI2102
  • Year

    2015
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online

Description

This unit introduces students to the theory and method of qualitative research in criminology and justice. Students will be exposed to methods used within the qualitative paradigm. Students will also develop an understanding of the importance of qualitative research in measuring, examining and understanding issues relevant to criminology and justice. This unit also explores fundamental theories of qualitative research, types of qualitative data and data collection methods, as well as methods of analysing qualitative data. This unit will emphasise critical ethical considerations relevant to applied research in criminology and justice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Apply qualitative data analysis methods.
  2. Apply the procedures used in qualitative research.
  3. Critically discuss issues in criminology and justice from a qualitative research standpoint.
  4. Critically evaluate self and qualitative research methods.
  5. Critically evaluate the ethical considerations relevant to applied qualitative research.
  6. Discuss the theories and paradigms relevant to qualitative research methods.
  7. Explain purpose of qualitative research in the study of criminology and justice.
  8. Explain the methods of qualitative research in criminology and justice.
  9. Interpret research results and use them to recommend sustainable solutions to dilemmas within the criminological topic studied.
  10. Review criminological qualitative research conducted in Australia and internationally.

Unit Content

  1. Critiquing the qualitative research process.
  2. Designing qualitative research.
  3. Ethics in qualitative research.
  4. Interpreting and applying qualitative data.
  5. Methods of analysing qualitative data.
  6. Qualitative data collection methods.
  7. The emergence and development of qualitative research methods in criminology and justice.
  8. The purpose of qualitative research in criminology and justice.
  9. Theories and paradigms of qualitative research.
  10. Types of qualitative data.
  11. Using a body of knowledge to develop research questions.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit is conducted in both the on-campus and off-campus modes. On-campus students have a weekly three hour workshop. Each workshop is conducted using an active learning approach. As part of this approach students are provided with a series of earning activities and an accompanying briefing paper, which they are required to complete in class. In conjunction with instruction from a class facilitator, these activities introduce students to the central concepts of the unit and guide students through the academic literature. Students are then required to apply this learning to a qualitative research project of their own. During each workshop, students are required to work in teams to complete assigned tasks and discuss the process of qualitative research critically. Assessments in this unit encourage students to further develop their critical appraisal skills as well as their written and oral communication skills. Using Blackboard, off-campus students are provided with a series of self-paced active learning tasks each week. These activities are presented with an accompanying briefing paper and instructional recordings. These activities introduce students to the central concepts of the unit and guide students through the academic literature. Students are then required to apply this learning to a qualitative research project of their own. In completing each activity, students are required to work in teams either to complete assigned tasks or to discuss the process of qualitative research critically. Teamwork activities are facilitated using the Blackboard discussion board. Assessments in this unit encourage students to further develop their critical appraisal skills as well as their written and oral communication skills. Regular online access is required.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Literature ReviewLiterature Review *30%
AssignmentParticipant Interview and Critique30%
ReportResearch Report40%
ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
Literature ReviewLiterature Review *30%
AssignmentParticipant Interview and Critique30%
ReportResearch Report40%

* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency

Text References

  • ^ Liamputtong, P., & Ezzy D. (2013). Qualitative research methods (4th ed.). Australia : Oxford.
  • Bolton, R. (1986) People skills. How to assert yourself, listen to others, and resolve conflicts. Australia: Simon and Schuster.
  • Robson, C. (2002). Real world research (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
  • Mauthner, M. (2002). Ethics in qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  • Huberman, A. M., & Miles, M. B. (2002). The qualitative researcher?s companion. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  • de Laine, M. (2000). Fieldwork, participation and practice: Ethics and dilemmas in qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  • Brookman, F., Noaks, L., & Wincup, E. (1999). Qualitative research in criminology. UK: Ashgate Publishers.

Journal References

  • Criminology and Public Policy
  • Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology
  • The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology
  • Journal of Criminal Justice
  • Psychological Research
  • Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
  • Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency
  • Criminology Australia
  • Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research

^ Mandatory reference


Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

CRI2102|2|1

Faculty of Business and Law

School: Law and Justice

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Qualitative Research Methods in Criminology & Justice
  • Unit Code

    CRI2102
  • Year

    2015
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online

Description

This unit introduces students to the theory and method of qualitative research in criminology and justice. Students will be exposed to methods used within the qualitative paradigm. Students will also develop an understanding of the importance of qualitative research in measuring, examining and understanding issues relevant to criminology and justice. This unit also explores fundamental theories of qualitative research, types of qualitative data and data collection methods, as well as methods of analysing qualitative data. This unit will emphasise critical ethical considerations relevant to applied research in criminology and justice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Apply qualitative data analysis methods.
  2. Apply the procedures used in qualitative research.
  3. Critically discuss issues in criminology and justice from a qualitative research standpoint.
  4. Critically evaluate self and qualitative research methods.
  5. Critically evaluate the ethical considerations relevant to applied qualitative research.
  6. Discuss the theories and paradigms relevant to qualitative research methods.
  7. Explain purpose of qualitative research in the study of criminology and justice.
  8. Explain the methods of qualitative research in criminology and justice.
  9. Interpret research results and use them to recommend sustainable solutions to dilemmas within the criminological topic studied.
  10. Review criminological qualitative research conducted in Australia and internationally.

Unit Content

  1. Critiquing the qualitative research process.
  2. Designing qualitative research.
  3. Ethics in qualitative research.
  4. Interpreting and applying qualitative data.
  5. Methods of analysing qualitative data.
  6. Qualitative data collection methods.
  7. The emergence and development of qualitative research methods in criminology and justice.
  8. The purpose of qualitative research in criminology and justice.
  9. Theories and paradigms of qualitative research.
  10. Types of qualitative data.
  11. Using a body of knowledge to develop research questions.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit is conducted in both the on-campus and off-campus modes. On-campus students have a weekly three hour workshop. Each workshop is conducted using an active learning approach. As part of this approach students are provided with a series of earning activities and an accompanying briefing paper, which they are required to complete in class. In conjunction with instruction from a class facilitator, these activities introduce students to the central concepts of the unit and guide students through the academic literature. Students are then required to apply this learning to a qualitative research project of their own. During each workshop, students are required to work in teams to complete assigned tasks and discuss the process of qualitative research critically. Assessments in this unit encourage students to further develop their critical appraisal skills as well as their written and oral communication skills. Using Blackboard, off-campus students are provided with a series of self-paced active learning tasks each week. These activities are presented with an accompanying briefing paper and instructional recordings. These activities introduce students to the central concepts of the unit and guide students through the academic literature. Students are then required to apply this learning to a qualitative research project of their own. In completing each activity, students are required to work in teams either to complete assigned tasks or to discuss the process of qualitative research critically. Teamwork activities are facilitated using the Blackboard discussion board. Assessments in this unit encourage students to further develop their critical appraisal skills as well as their written and oral communication skills. Regular online access is required.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Literature ReviewLiterature Review *30%
AssignmentParticipant Interview and Critique30%
ReportResearch Report40%
ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
Literature ReviewLiterature Review *30%
AssignmentParticipant Interview and Critique30%
ReportResearch Report40%

* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency

Text References

  • ^ Liamputtong, P., & Ezzy D. (2013). Qualitative research methods (4th ed.). Australia : Oxford.
  • Bolton, R. (1986) People skills. How to assert yourself, listen to others, and resolve conflicts. Australia: Simon and Schuster.
  • Robson, C. (2002). Real world research (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
  • Mauthner, M. (2002). Ethics in qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  • Huberman, A. M., & Miles, M. B. (2002). The qualitative researcher?s companion. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  • de Laine, M. (2000). Fieldwork, participation and practice: Ethics and dilemmas in qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  • Brookman, F., Noaks, L., & Wincup, E. (1999). Qualitative research in criminology. UK: Ashgate Publishers.

Journal References

  • Criminology Australia
  • Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology
  • The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology
  • Journal of Criminal Justice
  • Psychological Research
  • Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
  • Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency
  • Criminology and Public Policy
  • Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research

^ Mandatory reference


Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

CRI2102|2|2