lst3csr critical social research
CRITICAL SOCIAL RESEARCH
LST3CSR
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In a 'post-truth' world, how do know what knowledge we can trust? And why do academic research articles often seem so overly technical,and sometimes even quite boring to read? This subject introduces students to research methods in criminology. It explores how to critically read academic research papers,and how to design a research project and write a research proposal. Itshows how different approaches to research design lead to different kinds ofknowledge, and how theoretical frameworks are linked to research methods. A key issue is how the choice of research method is bothinfluenced by underlying assumptions about truth and knowledge, and how thisshapes academic disciplines by determining what kinds of research design areacceptable in given fields. Here we explore the underlying differences betweenqualitative and quantitative approaches research, showing the strengths andweaknesses of each approach. We then explore several qualitative approaches inmore depth, and students have an opportunity to create their own originalresearch proposal, selecting a question of interest and developing anappropriate research design for answering it.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAnthony Collins
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites 30 credit points of second level LST or CRI, or subject coordinator's approval.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Justify range of research methods by critically reflecting on the their strengths and weaknesses
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, discussion activities, readings.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Present a critical integration of the relevant literature by identifying and sourcing a research topic.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, readings, library research. Literature review assignment.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Develop a research design, showing a critical grasp of the methods of data collection and data analysis relevant to the research question.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, discussion activities. Research design assignment.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Develop a complete research proposal including literature review, research design and ethical considerations, showing insight into the relationship between the research question and the research design.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, discussion activities. Research proposal assignment.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAnthony Collins
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outline of research question (200 words) | 5 | 01, 02 | |
| Literature review (1000 words) | 25 | 02 | |
| Research design (800 words) | 20 | 03 | |
| Research proposal (2000) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |