After this course: the student has basic knowledge of and insight in the main methods and techniques used in qualitative criminological research, especially the open interview and (participant) observation. the student has gained basic skills to conduct qualitative research, mainly open interviews and observations. the student can critically assess different methods of criminological research, and report on them.

Content

 

This course is aimed for social science students that already have basic knowledge of quantitative methods. During the course, the focus will be put on the different qualitative methods used in criminology. The accent will be placed in applying specific qualitative research methods to study crime and crime control. The students learn how to plan and conduct a concrete criminological research. Aspects such as research design, data collection and data analysis will be tackled. Students will gain knowledge on methods like open interview, participant observation, discourse analysis and online methods. It is expected that students apply in their research theoretical criminological knowledge gained in other courses of the Minor. Next to applying a qualitative research method, the student is also expected to be able to critically assess research results, and to put them in context. The students will be divided in groups of 3 persons, and each group will conduct a research in which they have to apply qualitative methods (40%). The lectures are not obligatory but recommended. During the seminars, research skills will be trained and research progress will be discussed. The course will end with an individual written exam (60%). It is highly recommended that students follow this course after having gained knowledge from the Minor courses ‘Introduction to Criminology’ and ‘Advanced Criminology’.   Place of this course in the curriculum:   Compulsory course in the Minor Criminology Non-juridical optional bachelor course