CJ 302: Criminal Justice Research
Methods
Sec.
201
Office:
775 Smith Hall
Office
Phone: 304/696-3084 (and voice mail)
Fax:
304/696-3085
Email: detardobora@marshall.edu
Web
Page: www.marshall.edu/criminal-justice/detardobora.htm
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays
9:30-10:00 & 11:00-12:00; Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:00 and Thursdays
from 2:00-4:00
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Logic
of social research methods, survey research, methods of evaluation, sampling,
and the contrast between qualitative and quantitative criminal justice research
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Prerequisites:
CJ 200
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CJ
302 convenes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-12:15 in SH 416
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
In
this course you will have the opportunity to achieve the following
objectives/goals:
§ To develop an
understanding of the fundamentals of social scientific inquiry, the link
between theory and research, and causation
§ To learn the
different approaches to research design, which includes experiments,
quasi-experimental design, survey research, case studies, field research,
content analysis, and secondary data analysis
§ To become both
producers and consumers of research
§ To develop
methodological and critical thinking skills by conducting research and
utilizing the research library databases
§
To
research a criminological issue and write a research proposal and report using
professional language while adhering to the APA publication manual
§
REQUIRED TEXTS
American Psychological Association [APA]
(2001). Publication manual of the
American
Psychological Association (5th
ed.).
Maxfield, M.G., & Babbie, E.R. (2006). Basics of research methods for criminal
justice and
criminology.
*Additional readings will be placed on
reserve and available on-line.
§ COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
Students must have a computer or access to
one, as well as access to the Internet to send and receive email messages. If you are using an email account other than
your
§
COURSE OUTLINE
This course is divided into three parts.
Each part is explained in more detail below.
Part I “The
Big Picture” (65%)
The first part of
the course is based largely on “The Big Picture.” In other words, this is where we will discuss
theoretical and conceptual issues as they relate to research methods, the
importance of why we engage research methods and scientific inquiry, as well as
how to develop a research proposal.
Part II “The
Tools of Research Methods” (30%)
This part of the
course will provide each student with the information that is needed to develop
his/her own research project. Each
student will learn the nuts and bolts of the research process and existing
research designs.
Part III “Statistics”
(5%)
The final section
of the class will be devoted to an overview of basic statistics. Students are typically frightened when they
hear the word “statistics;” however, you will find that we use statistics daily
and do not even realize it!
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
AND DETERMINATION OF GRADES
To evaluate your progress in reaching the aforementioned
course objectives/goals, you will be assessed in the following ways:
Course
Requirements: Determination of Grades:
Assignments (15%) The grading scale is as
follows:
Exams & Quizzes (25%, 25%) 100%-90% = A
Research Project (20%) 89%-80% = B
Mini-Presentation (5%) 79%-70% = C
Active Participation & 69%-60%
= D
Attendance (10%) Below
60% = F
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ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments
will be given periodically to strengthen your understanding of the topics
covered in class. The assignments may be
both in-class and out-of-class (there are no make-ups for in-class
assignments). All out-of-class assignments must be typed and double-spaced
unless I state otherwise. Standard
margins and fonts should be used. There
is no exception for using any font larger than size 12. Remember to number your
pages, and staple the assignment if it exceeds more than 1 page! A 5 point
deduction per day will be taken for each assignment that is turned in
late. Furthermore, students are not
permitted to send me assignments via email attachment unless you have a
university excused absence and need to submit it to me as proof of completion.
However, upon meeting for the subsequent class period, you will need to provide
me with a physical copy of your paper. Assignments are worth 15% of your final
grade.
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EXAMS & QUIZZES
There will be two exams. Both the midterm exam and the final exam are
worth 25% each. All exams will consist
of multiple choice, true/false, listing, short answer, matching, fill-in and/or
any combination of the above. There are no take home exams in this course.
Examinations
must be taken during the periods designated in the syllabus. If a student
arrives late for an exam, the student can complete the exam but only in the
original time frame specified in class. However, if a student arrives after
another student has completed the exam, the student who was late will not be
allowed to take the examination, because the exam has been compromised. In other words, the student cannot take the
exam or make up the exam; the student will receive a grade of zero for the
examination. Deviations from this policy
can be made if the student makes provisions with the instructor before the test
date.
It
is the student’s responsibility to notify me if he/she is unable to take an
examination. Students must contact me prior to the administration
of the exam. (If I am not contacted prior to the exam or if you do not show
up to take the exam, you will receive a failing grade for the exam.) For
those students who do contact me and have a legitimate excuse (includes family
emergencies/illness or pre-approved university sponsored activities), an
alternative time to take the exam will be determined. The format of the
make-up exam will be left to my discretion.
Quizzes:
I reserve the right to administer quizzes
when necessary. There are no make-ups for quizzes unless a verified legitimate
excuse has been obtained from the Dean of Student Affairs (see Attendance
Policy). The points earned from the quizzes will be factored into your exam
grade.
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RESEARCH PROJECT (PROPOSAL and REPORT), & MINI-PRESENTATION
Each
student will be expected to complete a 10 page research paper (that is, ten pages
of body) on a topic as assigned below.
In conjunction with the instructor, each student will be guided through
the research process in groups to develop this paper in full. The specific requirements will be discussed
at a later date. First, each student
will submit a proposal due February 19, and then, the final report will be due
April 10, 2008. A mini-presentation will follow on April 22 and 24, which is
worth 5% of your final grade. The research proposal and report is worth 20% of
your final grade.
Here
are a few choices for research projects this semester:
1. A content analysis
of death penalty research and the deterrent effect
2. Interviews with
students about campus crime
3. A content analysis
of criminal justice related media images
4. A content analysis of
criminal justice programs in the United States
5. A survey of
criminal justice majors’ opinions
§ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE
Active class participation involves, but is
not limited to, asking and answering questions and attendance (you have to be
present to participate!). In addition, students are expected to prepare for
each class by reading the required assignments and participating in class or
small group discussions.
Students will be awarded 100 points at the
beginning of the semester for participation and attendance. These points are
yours to lose or keep. For each class day missed, 3.5 points will be deducted
from your participation grade. If you miss a class, I recommend that you obtain
the lecture notes/assignments from that day. Consistent tardiness (excessive)
will result in a reduction of your participation score as well. Please note
class participation will consist of 10% of your final grade.
Attendance Policy:
While students are
expected to attend class and participate regularly, I understand that there are
circumstances which may arise throughout the semester that prevent a student
from attending class. Excused absences include those resulting from death or
illness of a family member, pre-approved university sponsored activity, or religious
holiday (see the current MU Undergraduate Catalog). Documentation of an excused
absence can be obtained from the Dean of Student Affairs, MSC 2W38.
§
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
Academic Dishonesty:
I assume that every student is familiar
with MU’s Academic Dishonesty policy.
Academic Dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication and falsification of
data or information, plagiarism, bribes/favors/threats, and complicity. If a
student violates this policy, discretion will be used by the instructor
depending on the severity of the offense. The sanctions may include but are not
limited to lowering of a grade on a paper, lowering the final course grade, or
failing the course. For those of you who need a reminder about the policy,
please refer to the MU Undergraduate Catalog.
Extra Credit:
There will be no opportunities to receive
extra credit in this course.
Classroom Civility:
As a student, you are expected to
contribute to an environment that is conducive to learning by:
1. Arriving
to class on time (including exam days)
2. Turning
off all pagers, cell phones, electronic games, radios, tape or CD players, or
other electronic devices such as IPods or MP3 players before you enter the
classroom
2a. Refraining from text messaging during class
or during exams
3. Refraining
from individual conversations with peers
4. Asking all
questions that pertain to the syllabus, assignments, or grades before or after
the lecture/discussion begins
5. Respecting
different opinions and keeping an open mind
6. Abiding by
the academic dishonesty-this means no cheating or plagiarizing!
7. Speaking one
at a time. Do not be disruptive.
8. Refraining
from working on other materials during class time; it is considered disruptive
not only to the instructor but to other classmates as well
9. Not
catching up on your sleep during class time
10. Not bringing
food or alcoholic beverages into the classroom (non-alcoholic beverages are
acceptable)
11. Remaining
in your seat and not leaving the classroom once the lecture or discussion has
started. Only in the case of an emergency can a student leave the room. If you
need to leave class early for some reason, notify the instructor in advance.
12. Being a
Good Samaritan-that means supporting your fellow classmates and rewarding each
other with positive remarks/comments.
The DeTardo-Bora Policy:
As
students have a code of conduct to follow, I believe the instructor should
follow one as well. Throughout this course, I will make an effort to see that
the following responsibilities are carried out (these responsibilities were
adapted from McKeachie, 1999).
1. I
will encourage the free pursuit of learning
2. I
will demonstrate respect for students
3. I
will respect confidentiality
4. I
will model the best scholarly and ethical standards
5. I
will foster honest academic conduct and ensure fair evaluation
6. I
will avoid exploitation, harassment, or discrimination
A Final
Note:
The course material is not
difficult, but it will be a challenge for those who do not pay attention, miss
class, or study on a regular basis. This
class requires persistence and dedication in order to master the skill and art
of research methods. I highly suggest
that you make it a habit to come to class and pay close attention. This course was designed not only to allow
you to complete a research report of your own but to facilitate your
understanding of research as consumers as well.
It is important that you keep up with the readings and complete all
required assignments. If you feel that
you cannot grasp the material, ask questions!
There is no such thing as a stupid question! Also, stop in during my office hours and we
can try to clarify any uncertainties.
Finally, remember to relax. You
can enjoy research methods if you allow yourself!
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CJ 302: Tentative Topic Schedule-Spring 2008 |
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Week |
Date |
Topic |
Assigned |
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1 |
1/15 |
Introduction |
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1/17 |
Scientific Inquiry |
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2 |
1/22 |
Link Between Theory & Research |
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1/24 |
Link Between Theory & Research |
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3 |
1/29 |
Research Ethics |
Ch 2., pp. 41-56 |
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1/31 |
Research Ethics-Lab (IRB proposals) |
*Reserved Reading1 |
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4 |
2/5 |
Research Design: Units of
Analysis & Time Order
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2/7 |
Research Design: Causation & Validity-Lab |
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5 |
2/12 |
The Research Process & Concepts &
Conceptualization |
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2/14 |
Operationalization & Measurement-Lab |
& |
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6 |
2/19 |
Experimental &
Quasi-Experimental Design
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2/21 |
Experimental & Quasi-Experimental Design-Lab |
*Reserved Reading2 |
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7 |
2/26 |
Mid-term Exam
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2/28 |
Sampling |
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8 |
3/4 |
Sampling |
Ch. 7 |
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3/6 |
Survey Research (Questionnaires) |
*Reserved Reading3 |
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9 |
3/11 |
APA & Report Writing Workshop (ACJS
Conference) |
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3/13 |
Research/Library Workshop (ACJS Conference) |
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10 |
3/18 |
Survey Research (Interviews) |
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3/20 |
Research Lab |
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11 |
3/25- |
SPRING BREAK |
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3/29 |
SPRING BREAK |
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12 |
4/1 |
Observation & Field Research |
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4/3 |
Observation & Field Research |