Social Sciences · Research Methods
Secondary Data Analysis in Criminological Research
Verified Faculty Resource
Ready-to-teach slide deck (75–90 min) introducing four non-primary research methods used in criminology: secondary data analysis (NACJD, ICPSR, GSS, UCR/NIBRS), historical analysis, content analysis (coding procedures, reliability, manifest vs. latent content), and crime mapping (GIS, hot spots, CompStat, geographic profiling). Includes a True/False knowledge check, an ICPSR hands-on assignment, and discussion prompts. Designed for undergraduate or graduate research methods courses. Free to use under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
Who It's For
Appropriate for upper-division undergraduate or graduate students in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, or public policy research methods courses. Some prior exposure to basic research concepts (variables, units of analysis) is helpful but not required. Designed for instructors who want a single lecture covering four non-primary methods before students begin independent data projects.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to locate and navigate major secondary data repositories used in criminological research, including NACJD, ICPSR, GSS, UCR, and NIBRS.
- Students will be able to explain the steps in a content analysis coding procedure, including the distinction between manifest and latent content and how to assess intercoder reliability.
- Students will be able to describe the principles of crime mapping, including GIS hot-spot analysis, CompStat, and geographic profiling, and explain their applications in policing and policy.
- Students will be able to evaluate the strengths and limitations of secondary data analysis and historical analysis as research designs for criminological questions.
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