COMMUNICATIONS FOR THIS ONLINE COURSE:

Transcription

1 SPRING 2016 CCJ 3701 Section 1099 Research Methods in Criminal Justice (Online) Course Instructor: Molly Buchanan Virtual Office Hours: Scheduled as Needed Teaching Assistant (TA): Yeung Jeom Lee Virtual Office Hours: Scheduled as Nee COMMUNICATIONS FOR THIS ONLINE COURSE: 1. All communications and discussions should occur within the Canvas course website or using your UF with an Subject: Spring Methods a. To streamline communications between students, instructor, and TA please read the following: i. Either CC both the instructor and TA with your message or, only the instructor or the TA depending on the nature of your question (Subject: Spring Methods). Instructor s responsibilities include: 1. General course oversight 2. Questions pertaining to: a. Lecture videos b. Assigned textbook material c. Grading and material on the 3 proctored exams d. Grading of Discussion Boards 1 thru 4 TA s responsibilities include: 1. Questions pertaining to: a. Lab videos and materials b. Lab Assignments grades c. Grading Research Paper Assignments and Peer Reviews d. Grading of Discussion Boards 7 thru 11 ** Note: ** If the person who receives your question is not in charge of whatever it is you are asking about, they will forward it to the other person. b. s will be checked and responded once every 24 hours, Monday thru Friday and once over the weekend (Saturday thru Sunday). c. Messages sent during regular business hours will typically receive a response within 24 hours. 1

2 i. s sent on holidays or weekends will normally be responded to within 48 hours. d. Sent messages are not considered complete until they are received and have been given a response. i. If you leave an important message and do not hear back within an acceptable timeframe (e.g., 48 hours on a weekend), certainly follow up to ensure your message was received. ii. Please use the Subject: Spring Methods so your doesn t become lost in a sea of other daily s 2. UF communications are public records and can be used as official documentation - so proceed accordingly. a. Address and format s semi-professionally. b. All communications should CLEARLY outline the recipient (my name is not "hey") and the sender (who are you?) c. Minimize (or completely nix) text jargon (smh) in the body of s d. Be mindful of "netiquette" 3. Virtual Office Hours a. Sometimes it is easier to just talk with a human being for a few minutes instead of composing a lengthy, technical . We are happy to schedule appointments to do so, as needed. b. If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with the Instructor or TA the easiest way to do this is to send a message to them with: i. A selection of date(s) and time(s) you are available to meet. ii. How you would like to meet --phone, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangout, Big Blue Button, etc.--whatever is most comfortable for you iii. How to reach you at that venue (e.g., phone number, user name) iv. The instructor/ta will respond with a date and time that works best and any additional information needed to confirm the meeting. 4. Questions a. Please post all content-related questions on the Course Questions Discussion Board. b. ** TIP: ** Be sure to look at previous posts to see if your question has already been asked (and answered). i. Please feel free to answer questions from your fellow students.

3 ii. The instructor/ta will check this Discussion Board and weigh in on discussions regularly. However, often your fellow students will be your best--and fastest--resource! c. If your question is about a private matter (e.g., your individual grade), please send a message to the instructor/ta d. If your question is not a private question, the instructor/ta may post the question--and an answer to it--on the Discussion Board so your peers will get the benefit of the response. i. **NOTE:** If (and when) similar questions or comments are being made about the same topic or issue, the Instructor/TA will likely address and answer broader topics/questions/comments to the entire class via announcements, in the Course Questions Discussion Board or via a posted video explanation. So be sure to utilize the Course Questions Discussion Board - don t be shy! - so that we can know students are experiencing similar confusion. About This Course: COURSE INFORMATION & POLICIES: A basic understanding of statistics and research methodology is important for all individuals who wish to be effective consumers of information. It is particularly important (and marketable!) for criminologists and criminal justice practitioners to have skills in locating reliable literature, critically evaluating its contents, and efficiently relaying information gleamed from various resources (e.g., death penalty policies; substance use and abuse treatment; sex offending prevalence). Additionally, understanding the process of conducting research is essential for appreciating the scope of what we know (and do not know) about criminology and criminal justice-related phenomena in our society - even though many of us may never engage in actual research. This course is designed to provide criminology majors with a general and technical overview of research methods used in the field and will cover topics in advanced research design and data analysis commonly utilized in practice. Students will engage in the study of experimental and non-experimental research designs, probability and non-probability sampling techniques, and methods of bivariate and multivariate data analysis. Topics will include principles of research design, data collection, and data set creation and maintenance. Since the primary focus of this course will be quantitative research methods, a general understanding of statistics will benefit students; however, prior completion of an introductory course in statistics is not required. Video lectures will discuss various research designs, terminology, and ethical research practices while Video lab

4 instructions will provide hands-on practice of statistical data analysis using SPSS software (universityprovided = do not purchase!) and the interpretation and written summaries of results (aka statistical output). Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Critically consume, evaluate, and relay social science research findings 2. Formulate testable research questions and design studies to successfully answer them 3. Conduct thorough research projects from hypotheses to discussions of statistical findings 4. Perform and interpret statistical analyses via software commonly used the field (e.g., SPSS) 5. Communicate research findings to general public and social scientists, practitioners and policymakers **** This course is a 4-credit class and fulfills your 4000 word-course for UF s writing requirement. This means sizeable written projects will be completed in order to meet this 4000 word criterion. A final grade of C or better is needed for this course to be credited toward graduation for Criminology & Law majors **** **** (see for more information) **** General Information: This class is a full-semester, entirely online course. o Reliable, regular Internet access and time are integral to sufficiently explore the resources pertaining the various ideas and topics covered in this course. Students are required to complete weekly reading and written assignments including discussion posts. o All assignments are listed with respective due dates in the course syllabus. o Requirements and grading policies are covered in depth in your syllabus. THREE (non-cumulative) EXAMS FOR THIS COURSE WILL BE FACILITATED by using ProctorU. o Familiarize yourself with the processes for setting up a ProctorU account, scheduling times to complete exams, and accessing ProctorU IT professionals if necessary. o All necessary documentation and information is provided on this Technical Help & Useful UF links page.

5 Required Texts and Technology for Course Completion: Textbook: 1. Maxfield, M. G., & Babbie, E. R. (2015). Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology, Seventh Edition. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning. (ISBN: ) a. Different formats (e.g., ipad vs. hardcopy) of Maxfield & Babbie are available, some with optional study aids to purchase. b. There are helpful study resources online at c. Online searches for both texts (required and optional) will likely reveal cheaper options than what is available through the UF bookstore i. Reliable sites include: Bigwords.com; Amazon.com; or you can purchase it online at coursesmart.com ii. Prior editions are definitely cheaper but may not include all examples or concepts as clearly - purchase these older editions at your discretion and based on your budget Technology: 1. Reliable and ongoing computer access will be necessary for successfully completing this course. 2. Competency in basic computer skills is also required. 3. Broadband Internet connection will be needed to sufficiently complete coursework. 4. Students are required to have SPEAKERS and a WEBCAM to take the proctored exams. a. Visit the UF Proctor U Testing Center for additional information 5. Initiated access to Canvas a. Canvas will be used for ALL course communications and the completion of ALL assignments = get cozy with the site and check back often for updates b. ** TIP **: In Canvas, set your Notification Preferences to receive Announcements ASAP. You may also want to receive Course Question Discussion Posts ASAP or daily. i. Pay attention to the Communications suggestions and schedules 6. TurnItIn will be enabled for written assignments a. Be mindful of plagiarism (aka: if you plagiarize - we will know and it won t be good for your grade) 7. Initiated access to UFApps

6 a. You will need UFApps for accessing SPSS to complete lab assignments and analyses for your final paper i. Instructions for accessing UFApps and SPSS are available on the course Welcome Page under Course Information. **** If you experience any computer-related difficulties, contact the UF Computing Help Desk at /7 **** Suggested Texts and Technology for Course Completion: Textbook: 1. Cronk. B. C. (2012). How to use SPSS Statistics: A Step-by-step guide to analysis and interpretation. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Publishing. (ISBN: ) a. This text is NOT assigned but can be a useful resource for SPSS-related questions Electronic Storage: 1. Choose a format that works best for you useful for storing data, lab exercises, and assignments between lab videos a. the M: Drive is available for you on UFApps, but most students (also) use an external flash/thumb drive OR their own cloud storage like Dropbox, GoogleDrive etc, or store files on their own local harddrives b. Choose the most reliable, user-friendly option for you c. SAVE OFTEN! Deadlines (in this course and in reality) will not be relaxed due to unforeseen program crashes, corrupted files, accidentally deleted files, lost work etc Neuroticism may mimic insanity but a smidgen of over-cautiousness may save your grade/job So, SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! Course & Assignment Policies: 1. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HONOR CODE: a. As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statement: We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code. Therefore, on all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: "On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment."

7 b. All students enrolled in this class are expected to follow the University of Florida Honor Code (excerpt above). The full text can be found at: c. Additional student guidelines for ethical behavior can be found at: d. The instructor of this course fully supports the intent of the above statement and will not tolerate academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, cheating and prohibited collaboration. e. Treat each other and all instructors & TAs with respect. i. Students who fail to display civility toward one another or instructors in any written form (e.g., discussion boards, ) will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee or to Campus Police 2. MORE ON PLAGIARISM & ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: a. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. b. Please consult the following website to learn what constitutes plagiarism, or copy & paste: c. TurnItIn software will be enabled for assignments to check for originality of written assignments. 3. ASSIGNMENT AIMS & DEADLINES: a. All instructions are available in Canvas - read them closely, follow them & earn the best possible grade. i. All assignments are designed with specific skills and learning objectives in mind and should not be considered busy work. They all build upon one another and practice the concepts learned in your readings. b. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT DOCUMENTATION OF UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZED REASONS (see ) i. All due dates and deadlines are clearly posted to allow for ample preparation and planning 1. All due dates are either Wednesdays or Fridays nights (except for the final part 2 due on a Monday) 2. Every deadline is by 11:59pm c. Exam scheduling (with ProctorU) will be open Saturdays (12am) through Wednesdays (11:59pm) i. Choose a day and time within this window that works best for you and schedule with ProctorU.

8 ii. Exams will be completed online in one sitting without any notes or other materials. GRADING POLICIES: ELEMENTS OF GRADE: 1. Welcome Page & Syllabus Quiz (10 pts) a. You must take the start page/syllabus quiz. b. There will be 10 questions on the quiz, each worth 1 point. c. The quiz is untimed d. You may submit your final quiz ONCE for grading by 11:59pm on the due date. e. It is open book meaning, refer to the syllabus and welcome page to find the correct answers! 2. Discussion Boards (8 boards x 20 pts each = 160 pts + 10 pt intro board) a. All require an initial post and replies to peers posts by the 11:59pm deadlines on Weds. or Fri. due dates. No late assignments accepted after the portals close. b. If your "updated original post" is submitted after the deadline, the entire discussion assignment will be considered to be late. Therefore, it is highly encouraged to submit your original post well before the deadline so that you have time to respond to your peers and to update your original post if you choose to do so. 3. Exams (3 exams x 100 pts each = 300 pts) a. All exams will open for a Saturday thru Wednesday window but must be completed in one sitting and scheduled with ProctorU (available 24 hrs a day). b. Exams are non-cumulative. 4. Lab Assignments (8 labs x 20 pts each = 160 pts) a. All require online submissions by the 11:59pm deadlines on Weds. or Fri. due dates. No late assignments accepted after the portals close. b. The lab assignments build upon skills learned in earlier lab and lecture videos = be sure to ask questions early if you are confused. c. Each lab video and assignment explains and practices skills needed for your final research paper assignment = be sure to take notes and practice these skills early on. d. Access to UFApps and SPSS required for completing several lab assignments. 5. Research Paper Drafts (2 parts x 50 pts each = 100 pts) a. All require online submissions by the 11:59pm deadlines on Weds. or Fri. due dates. No late assignments accepted after the portals close.

9 6. Peer Reviews of Drafts (2 peer review sessions x 15 pts each = 30 pts) a. All require online submissions by the 11:59pm deadlines on Weds. or Fri. due dates. No late assignments accepted after the portals close. 7. Final Research Paper (2 parts x 50 pts each = 100 pts) a. All require online submissions by the 11:59pm deadlines on Weds. or Fri. due dates. No late assignments accepted after the portals close. Grading: You can earn 870 total points for the course. There is no curve in this class. If you get a total number of points ending in.5 (e.g., 89.5), we will round up your score to the next whole digit if it affects your final letter grade. The letter grade will be assigned as follows: A A B B B C C C D D D E 59-below FINAL GRADING BREAKDOWN Point value Welcome & Syllabus Quiz 10 Discussion Boards (9) 170 Lab Assignments (8) 160 Research Drafts 100 Peer Reviews 30 Final Drafts 100 Exams (3 x 100 pts each) 300 Total Course Points Available 870

10 General Tips: SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS: Some reliable, validated online resources to get you started 1. UF Criminology Resources: 2. Grammar Gotcha? Try: 3. APA Apprehension? Click: 4. Writing Woes? Check out: Succeeding in an Online Course: Tips for getting the most of this course and for taking full advantage of this course s online format: 1. Schedule your own "class times" to: a. Watch the videos b. Read any required material c. Complete work on any assignments. 2. Read ALL of the material & Follow ALL links contained on the course site. a. There is a lot of helpful information that will save you time and lead to earning a better grade. b. Students most often lose points due to not fully reading material that is provided to them on this site. 3. Pay attention to DUE DATES and meet them. a. ** TIP: ** Don't procrastinate. Complete all assessments, assignments and activities before the due dates so you do avoid last-minute technical issues and lost points. 4. Set your Canvas Notification Preferences to receive Announcements ASAP. a. You may also want to receive Course Question Discussion Posts ASAP or daily. 5. Sometimes technology malfunctions. a. If you experience any computer-related difficulties, contact the UF Computing Help Desk at

11 6. Utilize the discussion boards a. Ask for help or clarification of the material when you need it. b. Do not wait to ask questions! Waiting to ask a question might cause you to miss a deadline. Administrative Information This syllabus is provided for your information and will change as necessary. All changes to the syllabus will be announced during class time and changed on e-learning. If you have any questions about the syllabus or course requirements, please feel free to contact me. You can stop by during my office hours or me. Weekly Syllabus: UNIT 1 - Chapters 1, 2, 3 Weeks 1 & 2 Modules: Welcome Module (Start Here) & Module 1 January 5-8 January Readings: M&B Chapter 1 Assignments: Introductory Discussion, Syllabus Quiz, Module 1 Discussion Week 3 Modules: Module 2 Readings: M&B Chapter 2 Assignments: Module 2 Discussion January Week 4 Modules: Module 3 Readings: M&B Chapter 3 Assignments: Module 3 Discussion; Lab A January ** EXAM 1 ** Includes All Unit 1. Lecture Videos, Required Readings, and applicable Online Activities Lab-related questions will not be included. Opens Saturday January 30 th (12am) Closes Wednesday February 3 rd (11:59pm) Completed via ProctorU. Schedule your exam AT LEAST 72 hours before planning to take it. ** Note: ** Last session is 2 hours before the exam closing (9:59pm, Wednesday 2/3)

12 UNIT 2 - Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 Week 5 Modules: Module 4 Readings: M&B Chapter 4 February 1-5 Assignments: Module 4 Discussion; Start Lab B (Be sure to complete Exam 1 on Unit 1 material by Wednesday 2/3, see above.) Weeks 6 & 7 Modules: Module 5 February 8-12 Readings: M&B Chapter 5 February Assignments: Finish Lab B; Lab C; Draft Part 1 of Research Paper Week 8 Modules: Module 6 February Readings: M&B Chapter 6 Assignments: Lab D; Peer Reviews for Part 1; Start Final Draft of Part 1 of Research Paper Weeks 9, 10, & 11 Modules: Module 7 Feb. 29-March 4 March 7-11 March Readings: M&B Chapter 7 Assignments: Final Draft of Part 1 of Research Paper; Lab E; Module 7 Discussion; Lab F ** EXAM 2 ** Includes All Unit 2. Lecture Videos, Required Readings, and applicable Online Activities Lab-related questions will not be included. Opens Saturday March 19 th (12am) Closes Wednesday March 23 rd (11:59pm) Completed via ProctorU. Schedule your exam AT LEAST 72 hours before planning to take it. ** Note: ** Last session is 2 hours before the exam closing (9:59pm, Wednesday 3/23) UNIT 3 - Chapters 8, 9, 11, 12 Week 12 Modules: Module 8 March Readings: M&B Chapter 8 Assignments: Module 8 Discussion; Lab G

13 (Be sure to complete Exam 2 on Unit 2 material by Wednesday 3/23, see above.) Week 13 Modules: Module 9 March 28- April 1 Readings: M&B Chapter 9 Assignments: Module 9 Discussion; Lab H; Begin Draft of Part 2 of Research Paper Week 14 Modules: Module 10 April 4-8 Readings: M&B Chapter 11 Assignments: Draft Part 2 of Research Paper; Start Peer Reviews of Part 2 Week 15 Modules: Module 11 April Readings: M&B Chapter 12 Assignments: Peer Reviews of Part 2, Module 11 Discussion; Start Final Draft of Part 2 of Research Paper Week 16 ** EXAM 3 ** Includes All Unit 3. Lecture Videos, Required Readings, and applicable Online Activities Lab-related questions will not be included. April Opens Saturday April 16 th (12am) Closes Wednesday April 20 th (11:59pm) Completed via ProctorU. Schedule your exam AT LEAST 72 hours before planning to take it. ** Note: ** Last session is 2 hours before the exam closing (9:59pm, Wednesday 4/20) ** Final Draft of Part 2 of Paper ** Submit online by Monday, 11:59pm UF Policies: Administrative Information This syllabus is provided for your information and may change as deemed necessary. You are responsible for learning all the material contained in this syllabus as well as any modifications that are made to the syllabus during class time. All changes to the syllabus will be announced during class time and will be sent to everyone via Sakai. If you have any questions about the syllabus or course requirements, please feel free to contact

14 me. I am looking forward to getting to know you, and I encourage you to stop by or to discuss ideas, questions, and comments you may have about the class or material. University Policy on Accommodating Students with Disabilities: Students requesting accommodation for disabilities must first register with the Dean of Students Office ( The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting accommodation. You must submit this documentation prior to submitting assignments or taking exams. Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, students should contact the office as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations.