Social Science Project in need completion (Do not bid until you fully understand everything)

Children in Juvenile Delinquency

Tommy Bush Sr

Professor Newvine

Troy University

CJ 3375

November 5, 2013

Table of contents

I. Goal statement, variables, questions

II. Hypotheses/theories

III. Sampling procedure

IV. Cover letter

V. Questionnaire

VI. Literature review

VII. Data analysis

VIII. Research findings/conclusion

IX. Problems encountered

X. Reference list

I. Introduction

Research project is the collection of data about a certain issue so as to find out the cause and the solution to it. In this research, we are going to look into minor crimes, and what are the factors or variables are the cause of it.

Goal statement: The objective is to find out what type of kids become delinquent in the state of Florida

Independent Variables: The five key variables that will be explored in this research study are, age, gender, racial differences, family environment and mental health.

Research questions

I. What do you think about the age-group of kids gets booked for juvenile offenses more often?

II. Kids of which gender are more prone to committing juvenile offenses?

III. Does race has any role in juvenile delinquency?

IV. What are the role and the impact of the family environment in juvenile delinquency?

V. Is there any correlation between mental health of the kids and juvenile delinquency committed?

II. Hypothesis/theories

H1: Kids aged 15-16 years get arrested for juvenile delinquency more often than kids from other age group.

T1: A possible theory and explanation for the above hypothesis is that kids at that age are more vulnerable and impressionable and they get influenced easily by movies, peer pressure, and the environment in which they reside. At this stage most of them what to discover and explore what different things and what to acquire knowledge. This is attitude of the kids at that age may make them more inclined to commit juvenile crimes and thus result in them getting more often than kids of the other age groups.

H2: Male kids are booked for juvenile delinquency more than female kids.

T2: One possible theory for this hypothesis can be that male kids have more violent tendencies compared to their female counterparts. Due to this assumption the male are arrested in juvenile delinquencies more than the female.

H3: Kids from black families are more often arrested for juvenile delinquency as compared to their counterparts from white families.

T3: The possible theory of this is that most black families are poor and due to poverty there is always family conflicts and abuse. Due to these conflicts, the child grows having the mentality of violence as his defense mechanism and therefore, becomes aggressive and violent. It is the possibility that with trouble at home children may behave this way and thus black families are more often arrested for juvenile delinquency as compared to their counterparts from white families.

H4: Kids with troubled family environment and divorced parents are more often arrested for juvenile delinquency

T4: The possible theory for the above hypothesis is that the environment in which a child is brought has a high impact on his behavior. Therefore, we note that a child from a hostile family is likely to get involved in fights which will result into a crime. The family is first social environment to the child and it is upon the family to make their child immoral. For instance, there is no way a drunkard father or mother can tell his child that alcohol is bad. The won’t stop it because he cannot see the effect the parent is still using alcohol

H5: Kids arrested for juvenile delinquency are often diagnosed with some sort of mental disorders

T5: The possible explanation for this is that it is possible that children who are suffering from some mental disorder are not able to process their feelings and emotions well. The mentally challenged children are so violent and aggressive. This can often lead to an outburst resulting in child engaging in violent behavior and getting involved with juvenile delinquency. Mostly those who are affected with mental problems are likely to have used drugs or there parents during pregnancy and so grow up as drug addicts.

III. Sampling procedure

The main aim of this research is to explore and determine what kind of demographic and psychographic factors play a key role in the behavior of delinquent kids in the state of Florida. The key data for this research will be collected from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency prevention, Criminal Court of Florida and the relevant agencies involved after we have been granted permission. This research project will be an exploratory and descriptive project in its nature.

For the sample size selection for this paper, we will be going for the random selection method conducted by the computer and that sample data will then be run for data analysis. For the purpose of data analysis, relevant software will be used to ensure the process is run smoothly and effectively. Possible software to be used for the purpose are excel sheet, SPSS and or SAP. We will also approach the law and order authorities for their cooperation in the research and sharing of additional data as well as insights to support our research and analysis on this subject.

The research project will focus on collecting all the data in relation to child delinquency arrests over the last one year plan and questionnaire with the authorities to get their approval. Once that is done the research will move on to the central task of collection of data. The key parameters to focus on during data collection process are; age, gender, racial differences, family environment and the mental health. There will be also random sampling of information from different including those under the age of 13-18.

With this research project we aim to help the law and order department, the NGOs, and the judicial system to look at this from a proactive perspective and identify potential defaulters on this front. This will help in taking action before and to ensure the children are prevented from committing crime. The results of the final report will be published in crime related journals in the country.

IV. Cover letter

Tommy K. Bush Sr.

7200 Lexi Cir

Navarre, Fl. 32566

4th/11/2013,

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice,

32399-3100.

Tallahassee, Florida.

Attn:

RE: RESEARCH PROJECT

Dear sir/madam,

I am the named person above conducting a research project concerning the kind of demographic and psychographic factors on the type of kids engage in delinquency in the state of Florida. The principal aim of this research is help the law and order department, the Non-governmental organizations and the judicial system to understand the type of kids that become delinquent so as to look at this from a proactive perspective and identify potential defaulters on this front and also find a remedy for that. The copy of approval from the law and order department and also a copy of the questionnaire have been attached for your review and for your support in carrying out this research.

Looking forward for your acceptance and assistance in collecting data. Thank you.

Yours faithful,

Tommy K. Bush Sr. //TKB//

V. Questionnaire

This copy off questionnaire is well developed to acquire the most accurate information concerning the issue of juvenile delinquent and the influence of it. Please take your time and answer the following. I appreciate.

INSTRUCTIONS: Tick the appropriate answer correctly and write where necessary.

1. Gender

A. male B. female

2. Do you think the age of the minor has an impact on delinquency?

A. yes B. No

If yes give the reason…

3. Among the genders which one do you think is more vulnerable to delinquency?

A. male B. Female

Why?

4. Do you agree that the race has an influence on juvenile delinquency?

A. yes B. No

If yes why?

5. Can the family environment lead to juvenile delinquency?

A. yes B.No

6. Children from poor background, are they vulnerable to the delinquency?

A. yes B. No

6. With which of the following do you agree?

A. The mental ability of the child has an effect on the delinquency

B The mental ability of the minor has no effect with minor crime.

References

Craig S. Schwalbe, Tina Maschi. Law and Human Behavior, vol.31, No.5 (Oct, 2007), pp.449-462

Loeber, R., & Stouthamer-Loeber, M. (1998). Development of juvenile aggression and violence: some common misconceptions and controversies. American Psychologist, 53(2), 242.

Stephen A. Cernkovich, Peggy C, Giordano. The Sociological Quarterly, vol.20, no.1 (winter, 1979), pp.131-145