Assignment:
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?
A 10-12 page research proposal describing a project the student would be interested in completing.
Library Research Assignment
Throughout the remainder of this course, you will design an original research project. Although you will not have enough time to complete and analyze the data for your research, you will develop an original research design plan and present it in the form of a proposal and the elements that are necessary to complete the research.
The proposal should consist of three (3) sections:
1. A description of the research problem or subject;
2. A review of existing literature on the subject; and
3. A methodology section explaining how the data would be gathered for the study and the statistical methods used to analyze the data explaining the reasons for the choice of each.
Address the following sections in 10-12 pages:
Section 1
• Select a current issue in criminal justice and begin to research previous studies and literature that are available using the library, Internet, and other available resources. Choose an issue that relates to one of the following criminal justice topics:
o Corrections
o Juvenile justice
o Victimology - Use this one
• Then, write the draft of the introduction to the topic and related issues (variables) that impact this issue.
• Follow the introduction with a summary statement of the purpose for your research.
Section 2
• Then, develop a literature review (annotated bibliography) with a minimum of 10 references that will begin the research for your research project.
Section 3
• How do you intend to gather the data for your study? Explain.
• What are 3-4 types of statistical methods can be used to analyze the data? Explain in detail
o What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of statistical data analysis method? Explain.
• Which method do you prefer to use most? Why?