Data analysis portfolio comprised of 1) the analysis of a quantitative dataset; and 2) the analysis of a qualitative data set (e.g., interview transcript). Word count &#61; 1500 words.

Data Analysis Portfolio

The research plan will outline how the student will operationalise the research question outlined in 8500DPCJ. The plan will outline a justification for the proposed research methodology, based on a critical evaluation of different approaches that could be adopted. It will outline the proposed data collection methods (including details of the sample to be studied, the design of the research, any materials that will be developed or used, and the proposed procedure. The analysis strategy will also be used. The plan will also detail the ethical procedures to be considered, including how to obtain informed consent from any participants taking part in the study, any potential risks to the participants and researchers and how these risks will be mitigated, the arrangements in place for monitoring and auditing the conduct of the research, how data will be stored and kept for (to be compliant with GDPR), and who will have access to the data. Relevant ethics forms will be attached to this proposal which could include a participant information sheet, consent form, any gatekeeper forms, and debrief forms. The plan will also consider any logistical and political challenges that may be relevant to the conduct of the research, and will include how these issues will be addressed. Word count &#61; 3000 words.

Research Proposal

Lectures: These will include a programme of inputs which will be supplemented throughout with case studies of research carried out in the fields of policing and criminal justice. 
<ul><li>Detailed description and critical appraisal of different research designs and methods, and overviews of their philosophic backgrounds. </li><li>An introduction to principles and practice in qualitative research methods and analysis; this will be tailored to the type of research methodologies the students have outlined in their learning plan in 8400DPCJ. This could include ethnography and participation observation, qualitative interviewing techniques, qualitative documentary analysis, and thematic analysis.</li><li>An introduction to principles and practice in quantitative research; this will be tailored to the type of research methodologies the students have outlined in their learning plan in 8400DPCJ. For example, questionnaire design, content analysis, examining relationships between variables, comparing quantitative data across and between groups.</li><li>An introduction to process and outcome evaluation. This will be tailored to the type of research methodologies the students have outlined in their learning plan in 8400DPCJ but will also be discussed in the context of measuring the impact of any recommendations drawn from the findings of the study and put into practice within the students&#39; own organisation or practice.</li><li>An overview of the importance of ethics in research including how to gain informed consent, how to minimise risk to participants and researchers, how to protect and secure data, how to disseminate findings from research in an ethical way.</li><li>A guide to writing effective research methodology sections within research proposals.</li></ul>
 Seminars: Lectures will be supported by seminars delivered by &#39;in-service&#39; practitioners who have conducted research in the fields of policing and criminal justice. Students will get a chance to have an oversight of on-going or recently completed research to help develop understanding of the reality of designing and conducting social research, the processes of project idea development, how to make informed methodological choices, the experience of managing research, the ethical dilemmas these practitioners may have encountered from the design of the project, through the research activity and into its writing up, and an idea of how logistical issues and political dynamics may be involved in carrying out such research. disseminating findings and implementing recommendations.  
 Workshops: Lectures will also be supported with workshops dedicated to applying taught material to students’ proposed research projects. Content of these workshops will vary in response to the groups&#39; needs but it is likely that these workshops will involve formative feedback on assessments (e.g., proposed methodologies for the students&#39; research project and individualised discussions on how to ensure their research is ethical, as well as extra support with SPSS. 
 Online: Students will be required to engage in online engagement per month. This is to supplement and embed their learning within the face-to-face delivery as well as to prepare for their taught sessions and extra training required. Examples of online content will be: more examples of practice-based research using specific methodologies, ethical training, SPSS online tutorials, how to design research projects to create impact, podcasts related to evidence-based practice policing and criminal justice, quizzes related to content delivered in lectures and seminars, and participation in online discussions (e.g., via wikis, journal clubs) with the rest of the cohort on material covered (e.g., key research papers) across the module.

Research Methodology - 8401DPCJ

Research Methodology

Demonstrate a detailed understanding and critical evaluation of a range of research designs, research methods, and their philosophical bases, including non-dominant perspectives, applicable to policing studies and criminal justice studies. 


Demonstrate the ability to collect, record, analyse, interpret qualitative and quantitative data and demonstrate advanced academic enquiry, and use appropriate computer packages.

Understand and apply relevant codes of conduct and guidelines for the ethical conduct of research and the legal requirements surrounding research.

Demonstrate information literacy and management skills such as awareness of information/data security and longevity issues, sharing and storing data, ethical and security requirements involved in data management.

Understand logistical, political, and ethical issues arising from undertaking research within institutional settings and provide solutions to how these might be addressed.

Display a critical understanding of complex and specialised research knowledge and skills through the development of a research proposal that outlines and justifies the use of appropriate techniques/methodologies in their research, including how to ensure there are equitable partnerships in research.

Detail, in the research proposal, prioritised actions and milestones to meet the objectives of the research and demonstrate ability to identify own development needs.