Your paper will include the following sections:
Introduction (Two Paragraphs) – Here you want to briefly discuss the purpose of the paper.
Answer this question, This paper will introduce the reader to what and why is it important?
Overview of Research Theories (4-Pages Total) – Provide an overview of the theory, strengths
and weaknesses, and your personal perspective on if you prefer this method.
o Deductive (This is a Subheading)
o Inductive (This is a Subheading)
o Grounded (This is a Subheading)
o Axiomatic (This is a Subheading)
Research Method Key Concepts (1-2-Pages) – Provide
o Theory (What is it, provide an example, specific to the crime prevention context)
o Hypothesis
o Variables
Types of Variables
o Additional Concepts
Conclusion (One Paragraph)
In 5-7 page paper with the outline like above
Theory defines, assumes, proposes, explains, and predicts what the research outcome is likely to prove (right or wrong). It is an integrated body of propositions, assumptions, and definitions that are related in explaining and predicting relationships between two or more variables. Theory could be any of the following:
- deductive
- inductive
- grounded
- axiomatic
On the other hand, hypotheses are statements or assertions derived from theory that can be tested by scientific inquiry and that are capable of being refuted, and their tests may result in support or nonsupport for the theory from which they were derived.
Prepare a 5–7-page paper that address the following questions:
- What are the key differences between the 4 identified types of research theories above?
- Is any one type of theory more valid than the others? Why or why not?
- What are the differences and similarities (if any) between theory and hypothesis?
- What are variables, and why are they important components of theoretical schemes?
In 3-4 paragraphs
Use the Web resources, library, and course materials to research 5 different methods for data collection and the use of statistics in criminal justice.
Assignment Guidelines
- Research and describe 5 data collection techniques in your own words. Be sure to cite any sources you used in APA format.
- Answer the following questions:
- Why is the examination of collected data so important?
- How are statistics used in the field of criminal justice?