JSQ301 Research Methods
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | JSQ301 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,020 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,912 |
| International unit fee | $5,664 |
Unit Outline: Session 1 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | JSQ301 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
This unit equips you with the skills and advanced discipline knowledge to design and conduct research, crucial for evidence-based practice in the justice field. You will critically analyse data, ensuring your decisions are informed and effective. You will learn to source and critically evaluate quality literature, a vital skill for staying updated with the latest developments and best practices. Advanced data analysis techniques will help you interpret complex information. The unit also couches methods within theoretical frameworks, highlighting the relationship between theory and method. The unit explores ethical considerations, especially in relation to the social impacts of technology and working with diverse communities. You will also select your research project topic for JSQ302, in consultation with the Unit Coordinator. This unit is designed to empower you as a justice professional, ensuring your work is grounded in solid research and reliable evidence.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Articulate justice problems and research questions related to professional practice.
- Source and evaluate scholarly and professional literature related to professional justice practice and research.
- Reflect on ethical research and inquiry related to justice issues, including diversity and technology.
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to inform evidence-based practice in justice systems.
- Align appropriate methods to the investigation of justice research questions.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- selection of a research topic
- introduction to qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research
- introduction to research conceptualisation and design, including theoretical scaffolding of methods
- introduction to a variety of methods commonly used in social research such as case studies, surveys and experimental and quasi-experimental designs
- ethical considerations in research in justice, including working with diverse communities, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- evaluating the quality and trustworthiness of research, including research sourced through GenAI
- research protocols (research ethics, integrity, and GenAI)
- Critiques of traditional research methods, including indigenous critiques of the western-centric nature of research methods in the social sciences
In this unit, you will select the research topic for your research project in JSQ302. It will be negotiated between you and the Unit Coordinator.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you will learn through engaging in the following:
- Online modules
- Online discussions
- Readings
- Learning activities
This unit employs interactive and discussion-based learning and critical reflection on experience.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- a range of formative exercises discussed and undertaken throughout the unit
- opportunity for formative feedback in this unit will include feedback on a learning activity related to assessment task 1
- self-reflection on learning and personal and professional experiences
- feedback from peers as you investigate and discuss issues raised throughout the unit
- comments about summative assessment work included with your grade
Assessment
Overview
1: Research Question and Literature Review
This task is designed to help students develop foundational research skills by identifying a criminological or criminal justice research problem, formulating a clear research question, and conducting a focused literature review. The work completed in this task will form the basis for the more comprehensive research proposal in Assessment Task 2.
2: Research Proposal Journal
This task requires students to develop a comprehensive research proposal journal that builds upon the work completed in Assessment Task 1. The proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of policy and government issue research design, including theoretical framing, methodological planning, and practical implementation.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Question and Literature Review
Task Requirements
Students must submit a written assignment that includes the following three components:
1. Introduction and Research Question (Approx. 400 words)
- Clearly state what you intend to study and why it is important.
- Provide a compelling rationale for the research topic.
- Frame the research problem with clarity and relevance to policy, theory, or practice.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and originality.
- Ensure the research question is logically derived and well-scoped.
2. Literature Review (Approx. 1000 words)
- Identify and explain the relevant theoretical framework.
- Review a range of academic sources, including both foundational and recent studies.
- Critically evaluate the literature, highlighting strengths, limitations, and relevance to your research question.
- Synthesise the literature to identify a clear gap that your research will address.
- Ensure the review is logically structured and demonstrates scholarly insight.
3. Research Questions and Hypotheses (Approx. 400 words)
- Clearly articulate the research question(s).
- Formulate hypotheses (if applicable), ensuring they are testable and grounded in theory or evidence.
- Explain the logic and rationale behind the research question and hypotheses.
- Demonstrate alignment with the theoretical framework and literature review.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal Journal
Students must submit a research proposal journal/workbook that includes the following components:
Abstract (100 words)
- Summarise the purpose of the research and its potential policy implications.
- Introduction / Revised Research Question (400 words)
- Clearly state the criminological or criminal justice issue being studied.
- Introduce and justify the primary research question(s).
Revised Literature Review (1000 words)
- Review relevant academic literature.
- Identify the theoretical framework.
- Highlight gaps in the literature and link them to the research question.
Revised Research Questions & Hypotheses (400 words)
- Clearly articulate the research questions.
- Present hypotheses (if applicable) and explain their logic and theoretical grounding.
Research Site and/or Subjects (600 words)
- Describe the characteristics of the research site and/or subjects.
- Justify the selection and address ethical considerations.
Research Design and Sample (700 words)
- Outline the research design and sampling method.
- Discuss issues of generalisation and methodological rigour.
Data Collection Methods and Variables (600 words)
- Detail the variables, measurement tools, and participant approach.
- Address reliability and validity.
Data Analysis (600 words)
- Describe and justify the expected data analysis methods.
- Align analysis with research design and questions.
Implementation Plan (300 words)
- Explain how the research will be carried out.
- Include a schedule and management plan.
Budget and Budget Narrative (300 words)
- Construct a realistic budget.
- Justify each line item in relation to research activities.
Referencing
- Use APA style for in-text citations and reference list.
- Writing Quality
- Ensure academic tone, logical structure, and grammatical accuracy.
- Integrate quotes and citations effectively.
Video Pitch (Required as per unit)
- Present a short video summarising the research proposal for a non-specialist audience based on the three minute thesis.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no resources that are required to be purchased for this unit. Resources will be available in the unit's Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.JQ45 Master of Justice
- Critically analyse research, data and evidence and apply to justice practices and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Question and Literature Review - Examine how ethics, intersectionality and contextual factors converge to impact on and shape social justice issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Research Question and Literature Review, Research Proposal Journal - Conduct independent ethical research on specialised and contemporary justice issues and practices.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, ULO5, Research Question and Literature Review, Research Proposal Journal
Unit Outline: Session 3 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | JSQ301 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
This unit equips you with the skills and advanced discipline knowledge to design and conduct research, crucial for evidence-based practice in the justice field. You will critically analyse data, ensuring your decisions are informed and effective. You will learn to source and critically evaluate quality literature, a vital skill for staying updated with the latest developments and best practices. Advanced data analysis techniques will help you interpret complex information. The unit also couches methods within theoretical frameworks, highlighting the relationship between theory and method. The unit explores ethical considerations, especially in relation to the social impacts of technology and working with diverse communities. You will also select your research project topic for JSQ302, in consultation with the Unit Coordinator. This unit is designed to empower you as a justice professional, ensuring your work is grounded in solid research and reliable evidence.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Articulate justice problems and research questions related to professional practice.
- Source and evaluate scholarly and professional literature related to professional justice practice and research.
- Reflect on ethical research and inquiry related to justice issues, including diversity and technology.
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to inform evidence-based practice in justice systems.
- Align appropriate methods to the investigation of justice research questions.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- selection of a research topic
- introduction to qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research
- introduction to research conceptualisation and design, including theoretical scaffolding of methods
- introduction to a variety of methods commonly used in social research such as case studies, surveys and experimental and quasi-experimental designs
- ethical considerations in research in justice, including working with diverse communities, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- evaluating the quality and trustworthiness of research, including research sourced through GenAI
- research protocols (research ethics, integrity, and GenAI)
- Critiques of traditional research methods, including indigenous critiques of the western-centric nature of research methods in the social sciences
In this unit, you will select the research topic for your research project in JSQ302. It will be negotiated between you and the Unit Coordinator.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you will learn through engaging in the following:
- Online modules
- Online discussions
- Readings
- Learning activities
This unit employs interactive and discussion-based learning and critical reflection on experience.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- a range of formative exercises discussed and undertaken throughout the unit
- opportunity for formative feedback in this unit will include feedback on a learning activity related to assessment task 1
- self-reflection on learning and personal and professional experiences
- feedback from peers as you investigate and discuss issues raised throughout the unit
- comments about summative assessment work included with your grade
Assessment
Overview
1: Research Question and Literature Review
This task is designed to help students develop foundational research skills by identifying a criminological or criminal justice research problem, formulating a clear research question, and conducting a focused literature review. The work completed in this task will form the basis for the more comprehensive research proposal in Assessment Task 2.
2: Research Proposal Journal
This task requires students to develop a comprehensive research proposal journal that builds upon the work completed in Assessment Task 1. The proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of policy and government issue research design, including theoretical framing, methodological planning, and practical implementation.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Question and Literature Review
Task Requirements
Students must submit a written assignment that includes the following three components:
1. Introduction and Research Question (Approx. 400 words)
- Clearly state what you intend to study and why it is important.
- Provide a compelling rationale for the research topic.
- Frame the research problem with clarity and relevance to policy, theory, or practice.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and originality.
- Ensure the research question is logically derived and well-scoped.
2. Literature Review (Approx. 1000 words)
- Identify and explain the relevant theoretical framework.
- Review a range of academic sources, including both foundational and recent studies.
- Critically evaluate the literature, highlighting strengths, limitations, and relevance to your research question.
- Synthesise the literature to identify a clear gap that your research will address.
- Ensure the review is logically structured and demonstrates scholarly insight.
3. Research Questions and Hypotheses (Approx. 400 words)
- Clearly articulate the research question(s).
- Formulate hypotheses (if applicable), ensuring they are testable and grounded in theory or evidence.
- Explain the logic and rationale behind the research question and hypotheses.
- Demonstrate alignment with the theoretical framework and literature review.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal Journal
Students must submit a research proposal journal/workbook that includes the following components:
Abstract (100 words)
- Summarise the purpose of the research and its potential policy implications.
- Introduction / Revised Research Question (400 words)
- Clearly state the criminological or criminal justice issue being studied.
- Introduce and justify the primary research question(s).
Revised Literature Review (1000 words)
- Review relevant academic literature.
- Identify the theoretical framework.
- Highlight gaps in the literature and link them to the research question.
Revised Research Questions & Hypotheses (400 words)
- Clearly articulate the research questions.
- Present hypotheses (if applicable) and explain their logic and theoretical grounding.
Research Site and/or Subjects (600 words)
- Describe the characteristics of the research site and/or subjects.
- Justify the selection and address ethical considerations.
Research Design and Sample (700 words)
- Outline the research design and sampling method.
- Discuss issues of generalisation and methodological rigour.
Data Collection Methods and Variables (600 words)
- Detail the variables, measurement tools, and participant approach.
- Address reliability and validity.
Data Analysis (600 words)
- Describe and justify the expected data analysis methods.
- Align analysis with research design and questions.
Implementation Plan (300 words)
- Explain how the research will be carried out.
- Include a schedule and management plan.
Budget and Budget Narrative (300 words)
- Construct a realistic budget.
- Justify each line item in relation to research activities.
Referencing
- Use APA style for in-text citations and reference list.
- Writing Quality
- Ensure academic tone, logical structure, and grammatical accuracy.
- Integrate quotes and citations effectively.
Video Pitch (Required as per unit)
- Present a short video summarising the research proposal for a non-specialist audience based on the three minute thesis.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no resources that are required to be purchased for this unit. Resources will be available in the unit's Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.JQ45 Master of Justice
- Critically analyse research, data and evidence and apply to justice practices and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Question and Literature Review - Examine how ethics, intersectionality and contextual factors converge to impact on and shape social justice issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Research Question and Literature Review, Research Proposal Journal - Conduct independent ethical research on specialised and contemporary justice issues and practices.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, ULO5, Research Question and Literature Review, Research Proposal Journal