W8 Research Methods for Criminal Justice

This activity will be a debate/discussion related to the relationship between research and practice. Your work in this discussion is based on all the reading assigned in this course and your own experience and opinions.

You will be assigned to a side of the argument: Research drives practice side and Practice drives research side. Based on the course reading, those of you taking the Research drives practice side will argue that scientific research and emerging theories are the starting place for effective criminal justice practices. Those of you taking the Practice drives research side will argue that contemporary issues in criminal justice practice define what research is needed.

After your initial post, you will respond to at least two of your classmates from the opposing side, offering a counterpoint.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric document.