You must submit a full research proposal by the end of the semester. The aim of this assignment is to put the material into practice and to face the challenges of thinking through the methodological stages of your proposed study.
1. Propose a relationship between 2+ variables in the form of a question. Make sure that the topic/issue of choice has something to do with criminal justice/criminology.
Does the severity of sentencing for drug offenses affect rates of recidvism among offenders?
2. State your Hypothesis: Declarative statement of the cause and effect relationship.
Hypothesis: Harsher sentencing for drug offenses lead to higher rates of recidivism among offenders.
As they face challenges reintergrating into society after serving a longer prison term.
How should it look?
1. Introduction of the issue
1a. Clear statement of the problem
1b. Purpose of the study
1c. Significance of the study/ what will it add to the literature
2. Literature review (include a total of 5-10 peer reviewed sources – helpful tool for lit review can be found under “Content”)
2a. Current literature/studies related to your issue/problem
2b. This includes defining key terms and identifying problems identified in specific research
3. Research question/s followed by hypothesis/ hypotheses.
3a. Question: propose a relationship between 2+ variables in the form of a question
3b. Hypothesis:
-Declarative statement of the cause and effect relationship
-Be specific!
4. Research Methodology:
4a. Definition of variables (i.e. dependent, independent, and their nominal and operational definitions). Please note that the definitions must be of the main variables examined in the hypothesis/ hypotheses, and/ or research question.
4b. Definition of population
4c. Sampling method and rational
4d. Sampling method and statistical power issues while stating the proposed sample size to be used
4e. Research design
4f. Data collection method (i.e. observation, in-depth interviews, meta-analysis, surveys etc.)
4g. Proposed data analysis plan
5. Risks and Benefits / Confidentiality Issues
6. Policy Implications
7. Bibliography list
