This course focuses on methodology and methods specific to developing and carrying out qualitative,quantitative, and mixed methods research projects on regulation, governance, and crime. It provides concepts, tools and practical knowledge to assist students in developing robust research projects. It covers key aspects of doing research such as the development of research questions, epistemological approaches, sampling, specific research methods, data management and analysis. In addition, students analyse and compare different research designs used within the fields of regulation, governance, and crime. The format combines lectures with hands-on activities and workshops, allowing students to explore a number of different approaches. The course offers students opportunities to discuss common ethical issues, with particular attention paid to concerns that emerge in carrying out research in the region, and provides an overview about ways of presenting research findings. The course will address challenges in designing, generating, and communicating evidence specific to the fields of regulation, governance, and crime.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Critically evaluate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research as an empirical social science agenda, including different concepts, approaches and methods
2. Develop a research design based on a solid understanding of concepts and tools of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodology
3. Assess the relevance and appropriateness of various research methods to specific research questions
4. Apply the techniques of various research methods in undertaking fieldwork and data collection
5. Consider the ethical issues that may arise while developing, conducting and analysing research
6. Analyse qualitative and quantitative data and present research findings clearly and concisely

Research-Led Teaching

All of the session presentations are grounded in current research projects being undertaken in the School of Regulation and Global Governance by researches in fields such as criminology, law, psychology, indigenous studies, public health, sociology and political science.

Required Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course; readings are uploaded and available through the course Wattle site.

Recommended Resources

Extended and recommended readings are uploaded and available through the course Wattle site.

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Research Questions	This session provides students with an introduction to the course an to practices and principles of formulating and evaluating social science research questions.
2	Research Ethics	This session examines research ethics in research from three perspectives, namely, the ethical dimensions of selecting a research topic; the process of securing formal approval for conducting research, and; the situated ethics of conducting research and managing research findings.
3	Research Design	This session provides an overview of a range of practical and epistemological considerations in the formulation of research designs. Particular consideration is given to the matching of designs, methods, and research questions.
4	Exploratory Statistics	This session introduces a variety of methods used in exploratory and descriptive quantitative research.
5	Explanatory Statistics	This session introduces the use of correlational and related techniques within explanatory quantitative research.
6	Multi-Method Designs	This session introduces students to key epistemological and practical considerations associated with the formulation of multi-method research designs.
7	Interviews	This session provides an overview of the diverse uses of interviews as a method of social research.
8	Document Analysis	This session introduces students to various forms of textual and theory-guided document analysis including assessments of the institutional conditions under which documents are produced and rendered accessible.
9	Fieldwork	This session provides an overview of the use of fieldwork and participatory-action approaches to social research.
10	Qualitative Data Collection and Measurement	This class explores various facets of data collection and measurement in qualitative and quantitative social research with a particular focus on the construction of valid and reliable measures.
11	Qualitative Data Transcription, Management, and Analysis	This session discusses data recording, data analysis, manual coding and data management in qualitative social research including an introduction to abductive data analysis.
12	Student Presentations	In this session students present their final essays for peer feedback

Tutorial Registration

N/A

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Class participation	20 %	08/09/2022	4
Research and Writing Plan for the Major Essay	10 %	07/08/2022	1,2,3
Short Assignment	25 %	21/08/2022	5,6
Major Essay	45 %	08/09/2022	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

There is no examination in this course

Assessment Task 1

Class participation

1. Students will submit 4-5 questions or observations on the readings and prompts each week (by 5pm via Wattle on the day prior to class). Each question or observation should comprise a short paragraph (5-8 sentences) that provides context for the question and demonstrates its significance.

 

2. Students will actively participate in each class, sharing reflections, asking questions and providing input where they have relevant experience in the topics being discussed. The default mode for Zoom-based learning will be “camera on”. Where this presents a challenge, please contact Jensen Sass.

 

3. Students' attendance at each class will be noted. Students will receive verbal feedback on their contributions to seminar discussions and on their final presentation.

Assessment Task 2

Research and Writing Plan for the Major Essay

Students will submit a detailed writing plan/outline (750 words) for their major essay. These plans will be submitted via Turnitin.

Assessment Task 3

Short Assignment

Students will complete a short assignment (2000 words including endnotes) engaging with and critiquing the use of a quantitative method as applied in a journal article provided by the instructor. The short assignment will be submitted via the Turnitin System.  

Assessment Task 4

Major Essay

In the Major Essay, students will engage with and apply one or more methodological approaches to their selected research questions showing the choice of research questions, rationale for the selected method(s), explanation of the proposed methods and their fit with the research question and exploration of potential limitations and possible ethical issues (3000 words including endnotes). The major essay will be submitted via Turnitin.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students