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:
- Critically evaluate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research as an empirical social science agenda, including different concepts, approaches and methods
- Develop a research design based on a solid understanding of concepts and tools of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodology
- Assess the relevance and appropriateness of various research methods to specific research questions
- Apply the techniques of various research methods in undertaking fieldwork and data collection
- Consider the ethical issues that may arise while developing, conducting and analysing research
- Analyse qualitative and quantitative data and present research findings clearly and concisely
Indicative Assessment
- This course will be assessed pass/fail, with students required to pass each assessment item in order to receive a passing mark for the course (null) [LO null]
- In class participation and electronic submission of two questions for each session a day prior to class (10%) (15) [LO 4]
- Short quantitative research design assignment - 2000 words (30%) (25) [LO 5,6]
- Research and writing plan and outline for major essay - 1000 words (20%) (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- Major essay (or methods section of thesis proposal review) comparing and contrasting two methodological approaches in relation to the thesis question, addressing factors including research questions, rationale, methods, and possible ethical issues - 3000 words (40%) (45) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course will require 30 contact hours and 130 hours workload in total.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3960 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5820 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
