DB #2 Student Post Replies

Kristopher Ahler

Discussion: Developing Qualitative Research Questions

CJUS 750

Helms School of Government, Liberty University

Kristopher Stephen Ahler

A purpose statement typically follows a background of the problem synopsis and outlines the reasons for conducting research (O’Leary, 2005). For my project, I am examining the rigors of law enforcement duties and the physiological and psychological implications of the same on officers. My hopes are to compare the standards of officer wellness across the country, as compared to officers in small and rural departments in the southeastern United States. The research questions focus upon attributes of the issue. The interplay between the purpose statement and research questions is the purpose, or overall mission, is broken down into researchable sections which feed back into the purpose. The components of  dependability, validity, and the transferability/generalizability offer legitimization of the research conducted.

Key essential components of  qualitative research include dependability, validity, and transferability. The purest working definition of dependability essentially follows the scientific method, which asserts given the same research, with the same contextuality, and similar participates, would essentially get the same results (Janis, 2022). The conceptual definition of dependability is synonymous with the terms reliability, validity, and credibility when referring to qualitative research (Janis, 2022; Rose & Johnson, 2020). Transferability in the world of qualitative research is the worth of the findings as applied in other situations or contexts (de Leeuw et al., 2022; Maxwell, 2021). The overarching concept of “trustworthiness” of research is obtained when the study has credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability (Glense, 2015, p. 152). O’Leary (2005) identifies “good research” as containing objectivity, neutrality, transparency, dependability, validity, transferability, reproducibility, usefulness, with considerations for the legal, ethical, and moral treatment of research participants (p. 75). Understanding the concepts of “good research” as explained by O’Leary (2005), I am developing research questions aimed at how to investigate solutions to officer retention, suicide and suicidality, long and short-term disability, and other associated costs paid by agencies and subsequently the taxpayer. A second research question will evaluate the costs of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing stress and minimize negative outcomes for officers. A third question will focus on the impact of leadership, attitudes, and direction of both taking part in wellness programs and on reducing stress on officers through solid leadership.   

A comprehensive literature review will be conducted to learn what programs are offered to treat the underlying conditions associated with stress on law enforcement. The review will include a review of qualitative and quantitative studies conducted to measure the scope of the stress related issues facing officers, the physiological and psychological impacts on officers, and the scope of funds required to manage the issues. From an employment perspective, missed days of work, inability to perform job duties, and the costs of treatment for the officers. Nevers (2019) researched the economic impact of losing an officer to include human resource costs of conducting interviews, background checks, pre-employment testing, psychological evaluations, preparation time for the athletic challenges associated with recruit training, often salaries for officers sponsored through the basic police academy, and the subsequent costs of conducting training in the field. The Holy Bible in  Matthew 5:5-9 discusses how the peacemakers, should be bless as they are “children of God” ( King James Bible,1769/2021). The caring for God’s children, in this instance his law enforcement, should be a top fiscal priority for police leadership and elected officials.