CRJU 671
Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice Research
1. Catalog Entry
CRJU 671
Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice Research
Three credit hours (3)
Prerequisites: CRJU 670
This course is intended to equip the student with the ability to calculate and conduct statistical analyses for original research to ensure the ability to interpret the results of statistical analysis and to apply those results appropriately to real world situations.
2. Detailed Description of Course
I. Data Organization and Description
1. Levels of measurement
2. Graphical presentations
3. Measures of central tendency
4. Measures of dispersion
II. Graphical and Tabular Exploration of Distributions
III. Probability Theory & the Normal Distribution
1. Probability concepts
2. Rules of probability
3. Logic of hypothesis testing
4. Characteristics of the normal distribution
5. The normal distribution and the central limit theorem
IV. Confidence Intervals
1. Properties of good estimates
2. Population means and large samples
3. Confidence intervals and small samples
V. From Estimation to Hypothesis Testing
1. Testing single population means
2. Directional and non-directional hypothesis testing
3. Testing small samples
4. Testing proportions and percents in large samples
VI. Data Analysis and Categorical Variables
1. Contingency tables
2. The chi-square statistic
3. Limitation on the chi-square as a test of independence
VII. Testing Two Population Means
1. Exploring differences between two population means
2. Sampling distributions of mean differences
3. Hypothesis testing and independent samples
4. Hypothesis testing and dependent samples
5. Testing the difference in proportions
VIII. Using ANOVA to Test Three or More Population Means
IX. Testing for Bivariate Associations
1. Scattergrams and scatterplots
2. Least-squares regression line
3. Pearson correlation coefficient
4. Coefficient of determination
5. Testing for significance
6. Problems of limited variation, nonlinear relationships, and outliers
X. Multiple Regression and Partial Correlation
1. The multiple regression equation
2. Beta weights
3. Partial correlation coefficients
4. Hypothesis testing with multiple regression
XI. Nonparametric Procedures
1. One-sample estimations
2. Two-sample testing: independent samples
3. Two-sample testing: dependent samples
4. k independent sample testing
5. Correlation testing with rank-ordered data
XIII. Computer Software
1. Excel
2. SPSS
3. SAS
4. STATA
5. Minitab
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will be conducted in a lecture, demonstrative and practical exercise format.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
鈥� Demonstrate an understanding of basic aspects of data analysis (e.g., levels
of measurement, the normal distribution, central tendency, dispersion, etc.).
鈥� Demonstrate the ability to graphically depict quantitative data, including distributions
of individual variables and relationships between variables.
鈥� Demonstrate the ability to conduct and interpret common statistical tests, including
(but not limited to): chi-square, t-tests, analysis of variance; correlation; and
regression.
鈥� Demonstrate the ability to apply statistical techniques to the analysis of issues
relevant to criminal justice, including selection of appropriate tests, running the
tests, and interpreting the results.
鈥� Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer software in the analysis of criminal
justice data.
5. Other Course Information
None
6. Review and Approval
April 1, 2008