Social Research Methods
About the Course
When I who took Social Research Methods course were prepared to conduct empirical research in the social sciences by studying a wide range of topics and methodologies. Research design, data collection methods (such as surveys, interviews, and observations), sampling strategies, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and ethical issues in research were important study areas.
I worked hands-on throughout the course, creating research proposals, carrying out data collection procedures, utilizing statistical software or qualitative analysis methods to analyze data, and presenting their findings in written reports or presentations. Furthermore, a thorough comprehension of the research process was promoted by emphasizing the critical evaluation of current research literature and methodologies.
One of the most important aspects of the course was applying research methods practically through real-world scenarios, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties and complexity of empirical inquiry. Validity, reliability, causality, and generalizability were all carefully considered in order to establish a strong foundation in research methodology.
In this document we were tasked to conduct a qualitative research analysis on a top using the following: “What are the main themes about [your chosen topic] in the Virginian-Pilot newspaper before the turn of the century?” I chose "The internet". We were instructed to research into three stages: Data reduction, Data display, and Drawing conclusions.
Skills I Learned
Proficiency in social research methods is essential for those working in the criminal justice field. With the use of these abilities, practitioners can conduct empirical research to determine the root causes of crime and social injustices, critically evaluate current policies and practices, and gauge the success of intervention initiatives.
Furthermore, criminal justice professionals who possess research literacy are better equipped to back directly grounded policy reforms and make evidence-based decisions.
Acquiring these skills will be beneficial in a number of ways in future work environments. As a professional in the field of criminal justice, I hope to use research methodologies to guide the creation of policies, assess the success of programs, and promote the use of evidence-based practices in the industry. The capacity to plan, organize, and carry out research projects will be crucial for jobs in policy analysis, law enforcement, and prisons.
In this document we were tasked to create a dataset using SPSS or PSPP. Then to make a questionnaire of around 30 questions and a corresponding codebook. We were asked to show our dataset in Data View and in Variable View. Then to generate one descriptive statistic for each of three variables. One variable needs to be nominal, another ordinal, another interval or ratio.
My Future
Furthermore, these abilities will be crucial for carrying out original research and adding to the body of knowledge in the field of criminal justice if one chooses to pursue higher education, such as graduate school. An understanding of social research methods is essential for both academic success and career advancement, regardless of whether one is conducting thesis research, working with faculty on research projects, or participating in multidisciplinary projects.