This course introduces students to the practice, theory, and philosophy of social science research, with a special focus on criminal justice. It not only broadens students' knowledge of the ethical issues associated with research, but also introduces them to a variety of research techniques such as surveys, field research, and experimental designs. Research Methods will lay the foundation for students to become informed “consumers” of research, as well as “producers” of this information.

Students completing this course will be able to: 

• Describe common methods of criminal justice inquiry
• Explain the linkage between research questions and research design in criminal justice research
• Explore major debates about research methods, criminal justice and ethics in research
• Critically evaluate social scientific evidence and research as used in criminal justice.
• Evaluate qualitative criminological research and its relationship to qualitative criminological knowledge-building