Methodology and Empirical Research

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/R_MER

Course Objective

Learning objectives of the course: (A) Subject-specific learning outcomes Upon completion of the course, the student should have basic knowledge of:
- fundamental concepts of empirical research and research methodology
- common study designs and their relative strengths and weaknesses
- different sampling procedures
- the methods of measurement
- the ethical aspects of empirical research (B) Academic skills Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:
- given a research question, make a reasoned choice for a study design
- given a research question and study design, make a reasoned choice for a sampling procedure
- critically appraise study designs
- determine the quality of measurement in terms of validity and reliability
- develop a questionnaire and critically appraise existing questionnaires
- conduct a small-scale research project
- enter data into SPSS (C) Social and communicative skills Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:
- interact with respondents to collect data for a small-scale research project (D) Study skills and professional orientation Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:
- work effectively in a group

Course Content

Are prison sentences effective? Do children of criminal parents have greater chance of becoming criminals themselves? How do terrorist attacks affect feelings of security? Empirical research is required to answer questions like these. In this course, the student is introduced to the basic concepts of empirical research and research methodology. The student will learn about all steps involved when conducting a research project and about different study designs, methods of data collection and ways to measure what a researcher is interested in. The student will also createa short questionnaire and collect data with it.

Teaching Methods

Teaching on this course consists of weekly lectures and seminars (one of each). During the lectures, the students will get an overview of the key concepts laid out in the required reading. The seminars enable the student to get acquainted with empirical research and practice with designing a research project. Assignments will be explained and discussed. Students will work individually and in mixed-classroom groups. Please note that attendance of the seminars is mandatory.

Method of Assessment

Assessment for this course consists of two components: 1. Multiple assignments 2. A digital exam

Literature

Ellis, L., Hartley, R.D., and Walsh, A. (2010). Research methods inCriminal Justice and Criminology: An interdisciplinary approach. Rowman& Littlefield Publishers.This book is available as an e-book via the University Library of theVrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Custom Course Registration

First-year students will be automatically registered on his course. Repeating students can register from 30 August 2024.

Entry Requirements

- This course is an entry requirement for the course Evaluation Research