Research Methods The University of Texas at Dallas CRIM 3304/PA 3304/SOC 3304 Fall 2011 Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00pm 2:15pm

m Room: SOM 2.102 Professor: J.C. Barnes, Ph.D. Email: jcbarnes@utdallas.edu Phone: (972) 883-2046 Office: GR 2.206 Office hours: Thursday 2 4pm and by appointment It is easiest to reach me via email. I do not always check my office voicemail, but I do check email daily.

Course Description Conducting sound research is critical to advancing scholars understanding of any scientific phenomenon. Science progresses only by means of the scientific method of research. The scientific method gives researchers the ability to uncover the truth. This class will teach you how to seek the truth in your own studies as well as how to critique others who have sought the truth. Students will be introduced to the scientific research method with an eye towards social science applicability. The course will unfold in a linear fashion beginning with the most basic and fundamental concepts critical to understanding why science is important, how science gets done, and what it means to conduct a research study.

Required Reading 1) Maxfield, Michael G. and Earl R. Babbie. 2011. Research methods for criminal justice and criminology (6th Edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 2) Academic articles posted to eLearning. See course schedule below.

Course Requirements & Grading Your grade will be determined based on your performance on four (4) assignments and two (2) examinations. The assignments will be completed IN CLASS. There will be no make-up opportunities for unexcused absences. Each assignment will be worth 5 points to your final grade. The exams may contain a mixture of multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions. Both the midterm exam and the final exam will be worth 40 points to your final grade. More details will be provided as the assignment/examination dates approach. Grades will not be curved and I do not offer extra credit.

Your final grade will be determined using the following rubric and grading scale: Percent of Total 5 5 5 5 40 40 Grading Scale A+ A AB+ B B= = = = = = 97 - 100 93 - 96 90 - 92 87 - 89 83 - 86 80 - 82 C+ C CD+ D D= = = = = = 77 - 79 73 - 76 70 - 72 67 - 69 63 - 66 60 - 62 F = 0 - 59 Item Assignment 1 Assignment 2 Assignment 3 Assignment 4 Midterm Exam Final Exam

Course Policies Attendance is required if you wish to receive a passing grade. If you miss a class I strongly encourage you to borrow one of your classmates notes and then talk with me if you need additional clarification. I do not provide students with my notes nor will I post notes/slides to the internet. If you miss an exam or an assignment you must: (1) notify me within 24 hours AND (2) provide me with an acceptable excuse. Note that I may request written documentation. If you do not follow this procedure you will receive a zero on the examination or the assignment.

Technical Support If you experience any problems with your UTD account you may send an email to: assist@utdallas.edu or call the UTD Computer Helpdesk at 972-883-2911.

University Policies http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies

Course Schedule and Assigned Readings 8/25 8/30 Introduction to the Scientific Method of Research -Chapter 1 Assignment 1 Research Question 9/1 9/8 General Issues in Research Design & Causality -Chapter 2 -Chapter 4 9/13 9/20 Measurement -Chapter 5 -Chapter 6 9/22 9/29 Experimental Designs -Chapter 7 Assignment 2 Experimental Design/Exercise 10/4 10/6 Quasi-experimental Designs -Chapter 7 10/11 Midterm Exam 10/13 10/20 Sampling -Chapter 8 Assignment 3 Sampling Design/Exercise 10/25 11/1 Survey Design -Chapter 9 -Dillman (1991) (posted to eLearning) 11/3 11/15 Secondary Data & Interpreting Data -Chapter 13 Assignment 4 Data Interpretation 11/17 Library Day 11/22 Field Research (Qualitative Research) -Chapter 10 11/24 Thanksgiving Day (No Class) 11/29 12/1 Ethical Considerations & Policy Implications -Chapter 3 -Barnes (2011) (posted to eLearning)

12/6 Final Exam Note: This schedule is not a binding contract. I reserve the right to make changes at any time and it is your job to stay abreast of these changes.