https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/R_MERLearning 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 methodologycommon study designs and their relative strengths and weaknessesdifferent sampling proceduresthe methods of measurementthe 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 designgiven a research question and study design, make a reasoned choice for a sampling procedurecritically appraise study designsdetermine the quality of measurement in terms of validity and reliabilitydevelop a questionnaire and critically appraise existing questionnairesconduct a small-scale research projectenter 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 groupAre 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 create a short questionnaire and collect data with it.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. For this course, attendance is mandatory. For further details, please refer to the course guide at Canvas.Assessment for this course consists of two components:Multiple assignmentsA digital exam (open questions)Ellis, L., Hartley, R.D., and Walsh, A. (2010). Research methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology: An interdisciplinary approach. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. This book is available as an e-book via the University Library of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.New first year students who are fully enrolled will be automatically registered for his course from Augustus 20. Repeating students can register starting August 29, 2025.