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CJ525

Unit 6 DQ

Hypotheses, Data Considerations, and Study Variables

Part I: In this last unit of the course, you will incorporate what you have learned thus far and prepare the initial sections of an applied research proposal. Based on this week’s readings, explain three critical characteristics of sound research questions. 

Remind your classmates of the research problem you are proposing to study and post at least three potential hypotheses you could test in your study. Incorporate what you learned from the readings in terms of the format of the hypothesis, and identify your key independent and dependent variables. 

Part II: Describe the general approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) you will take in your research proposal. Fully explain why you chose this approach and how it is the most effective way to test your proposed study hypothesis or hypotheses.

Respond Kindly to Student #1

Samer Silva

Within our week's readings, there are three critical characteristics of sound research questions which includes descriptive, correlational and casual. Descriptive questions compare existing questions, correlational questions aims to describe the association found between variables and then aims to provide evidence for causation, and casual questions are generally the most important questions to educational researchers and sets the stage for what needs to be researched (Ayiro, 2012). 

The research problem I am proposing to study is if training is effective for domestic violence problems to officers in Miami. Three potential hypotheses I could test in this study is, with more training on domestic violence the less officers will commit domestic violence, with less training and focus on domestic violence the more officers will turn a blind eye to domestic violence problems internally, and with more focus on training on domestic violence and police culture stereotypes, the more officers will leave from the stereotypical culture they have been stuck in. The key independent variables are domestic violence training, the implementation of training and the dependent variables is the level of effectiveness of training and the cases of domestic violence in the police agencies. 

The general approach I will be taking in my research proposal will be mixed methods to be honest because there will be rates, percentages and ratios under the quantitative method and words, observations and views under the qualitative method. I will be researching the actual numbers and success rates of the training and also hearing the opinions of those being surveyed to see if the subjects believe the training is working or not regarding domestic violence training. The purpose of each is also relevant as I aim to explain and explore the reasoning and the results of training in this particular scenario. If I went with one or the other, I feel like there would be areas to be studied and the research proposal would be somewhat empty without true recollection of why and how the training is or is not effective and gives a general idea of the origin and where this solution is taking the agencies being surveyed and experimented on.  

References: 

Ayiro, L. P. (2012). A functional approach to educational research methods and statistics : qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Edwin Mellen Press.

Respond Kindly to Student #2

Blake Carter

                According to reading (Denscombe, 2019) there are three main characteristics a research question should possess. One: Where will the research go? What is its purpose and direction? Two: What will the research do? What issues and problems will did deal with? Three: What will the research look at? What factors will be measured and investigated? So as one can see it is very much who, what, where, why, and how when it comes to formulating research questions.

                When it comes to my research proposal; I will be looking at if drones used by the United States Border Patrol would result in safer and more efficient patrolling for Border Patrol Agents in the Yuma sector. There are a number of hypotheses that could be tested. For instance, will the use of drones lead to a higher rate of apprehensions at the border?  Moreover, will the use of drones cause Border Patrol Agents to patrol more efficiently since drones give them a wider range of visibility? And finally would the use of drones lead to a safer environment for not only Border Patrol Agents, but also the undocumented individuals they are apprehending.

                When it comes to my approach, I believe a mixed method what best be employed. For instance, I could gather data for the number of apprehensions and compare the number of drones that were deployed during that time frame. Furthermore, the patrol routes used by the agents could also be correlated with drones. For instance, since drones have a wider range and view this would require fewer agents to patrol routes since more is being covered if drones were deployed.

Reference

Denscombe, M. (2019). Research proposals: A practical guide. London: Open University Press.

Respond Kindly to Student #3

Jeffery Bailey

Hello classmates/Prof

After doing the assigned reading for this unit, I must say it thoroughly explained the differences between quantitative methods, qualitative and mixed methods. Quantitative methods are ideal for research that seeks to explain or evaluate an issue. There are several methods that can be used. The experimental, survey, or controlled observations. Qualitative is another method of doing research, this method is more subjective, easier to observe, but harder to analyze. This type of method would be best used if you will be conducting interviews or using focus groups. This method is also preferable if your study includes observations. Oftentimes research will have a mixture of both.

In the research topic that I have chosen is “Hillsborough Sheriff releases 164 county Jail Inmates to reduce Coronavirus Risk” From this base issue springs forth a plethora of COVID-19 and correctional dept issues. My research will focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and our Department of Corrections. I will research how the pandemic has affected our dept of correction using several key prisons as my case study. In my research, I will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods which would technically fall under mixed methods. My research will be explorative but will involve some surveys and the use of existing prison data. The three hypothesis that I will look to test are (1) Prison overcrowding is a major contributor to the high infectious rate. (2) Inmate health care after early release is basically non-existent. (3) There is Racial Bias in the process of who gets early release or decarceration.

Part II

As stated above I will use the mixed method model of research when conducting my research. I will use this model because with the type of research that I will be conducting, I will be gathering data that already exists and data and analyzing policies and procedures I will also be using percentages and ratios to give account for the high infectious rate. I chose this method because it will best serve to get the answers I need to prove my hypothesis. This along with the Meta-analysis method because this research will require analyzing the results of several studies and inquires that will be looked at and these combined results will lead to generalizations regarding my variables

 

Maxfield, MG & Babbie, E.R. (2018). Research methods for criminal justice and criminology. Boston MA.: Cengage Learning.