Curriculum Information

Background to the use of research and evaluation within policing;

• The links between policing and evidence-based research (the ‘what works’ debate)
• Acquire appropriate research skills in order to understand how to undertake social research.

Examine the role of organisations including:

• The Home Office
• College of Policing
• HMICFRS
• Society of Evidence-Based Policing
• Other Sources of Evidence-Based Policing
• The function of academic research.

General methodological issues the students will need to consider when planning and undertaking their dissertations:

• The use of hypotheses, research questions, aims and objectives
• Qualitative and Quantitative research
• Primary and secondary data
• Issues of reliability and validity
• The difference between monitoring and evaluation, and the use of systematic review.
• Research constraints
• Ethical issues
• Development of an academic bibliography, including referencing

Developing skills in methodological techniques students will use for their dissertations:

• Research ethics and risk assessment.
• How to undertake literature reviews.

Different types of research methods and their advantages and disadvantages :

• Survey/questionnaires (face to face, telephone, postal);
• Observation; focus groups, interviews
• Systematic reviews

Guidance on observation design, focus group design, interview design, questionnaire design: i.e. what makes a good questionnaire

• Different types of questions
• Use of scales.

Sampling (sampling frames):

• Different types of sampling approaches.

Analysis of data, useful statistical techniques:

• Presentation of data.
• Collection of data
• Interpretation of data

How to put together a research proposal.

College of Policing Learning Outcome Links

Evidence Based Policing

D1 - Explain the professional concept of evidence-based policing

D2 - Understand potential constraints associated with an evidence-based policing approach and identify best practice

D3 - Evaluate the potential professional applications of an evidence-based policing approach

D4 - Know how to systematically review and critically evaluate available evidence

D5 - Identify potential sources of evidence that can be used as part of an evidence-based policing approach

D6 - Explain how evidence-based policing can be applied in practice

D7 - Know how to optimise opportunities to obtain the best available evidence, evaluate options and develop the most appropriate solution to a given policing problem

Problem Solving

E3 - Carry out research to identify and understand an emerging issue or problem in a specific policing area and formulate an ethically sound research question

Research Methods and Skills

F1 - Understand the importance of planning research activities

F2 - Outline the strengths and weaknesses of research methodologies and approaches

F3 - Demonstrate skills in the use of resources and primary/secondary literary sources relevant to the

degree programme

F4 - Demonstrate a structured approach to studying, writing essays and referencing content

F5 - Review and assess literature and case law in order to develop critical arguments and draw conclusions

F7 - Apply key concepts in relation to models of learning and reflective practice

F8 - Research, analyse and evaluate relevant research publications and qualitative and quantitative data

F9 - Demonstrate autonomy, as well as accountability and working with others, in a study skills context

F10 - Demonstrate proficiency in academic writing and presentation, in accordance with ethical protocols

F11 - Demonstrate effective referencing of a wide range of material appropriate to the subject area

F12 - Apply quantitative and qualitative research techniques, including the interpretation of data

Module Summary (CoP only)

This module links to the curriculum in support of research skills and evidence based policing. Through a range of theory and practical teaching, students will develop an understanding of the role of research and evaluation within policing and to introduce students to a grounding in formal research methods in preparation for their final year dissertation. The concept of evidenced based policing (EBP) is embedded within this module where students will learn to conduct reliable and credible research and to plan it and present it effectively and professionally by learning and developing their research skills.

College of Policing mapping:

D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.4, D2.1, D2.2, D2.3, D3.2, D4.1, D4.2,.D4.3, D.4.4, D5,1, D6.2, D6.4, D7.1, D7.2, D7.3, D7.4, D7.5, D7.6, E3.2, E3.3, E3.4,3.5,F1.1,F1.2,F1.3,F2.1,F2.2,F2.3,F2.4,F2.5,F2.6,F2.7,F2.8,

F2.9.F2.9,F2.10, F3.1,F3.2, F3.3, F4.1,F4.2,F4.3,F4.4,F5.1,F5.3,F5.4,F5.6, F7.2,F7.4,F7.4,F8.1,F8.2F8.3,F8.4,F9.1,F9.2,F10.1,F10.2,F10.3,F10.4,F10.5,

F10.6,F10.7, F11.1,F12.1,F12.2.