CRJ 520 Experience Tradition- tutorialrank.com

1. CRJ 520 Week 1 DQ 1 Research as a Method Anecdotal Versus Empirical Data For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 1 DQ 1 Research as a Method Anecdotal Versus Empirical Data Product Description Research as a Method: Anecdotal Versus Empirical Data. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Within criminal justice, researchers are often faced with a plethora of anecdotal data with little empirical support for such assertions. We have all, no doubt, heard anecdotes pertaining to gang initiation rites, killers stalking baby sitters, or corpses discovered rolled in carpets by hapless hotel maids. Criminal justice researchers depend primarily upon empirical data as the most useful tools with which to explore the nuances of the issues plaguing society. However, one can always ponder the usefulness of anecdotal data. In contemporary research, there has yet to be a consensus pertaining to the proper place and function of anecdotal data. Jacques (2014) discusses both quantitative and qualitative research methods. After reading the article and Chapter 1 in your primary text, respond fully to the following questions:

2. How would you explain the differences between the use of empirical research data from that of anecdotal data? How do these differences inform how criminal justice data might be evaluated and interpreted in published research findings? Is there a place in formal research for anecdotal data? ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 2 Assignment Literature Review For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 2 Assignment Literature Review

3. Literature reviews help to provide boundaries of what is known about a particular field and serve to guide researchers in their quest to uncover the mysteries and nuances of a selected issue or problem. A well- developed review of literature is essential to a thorough, well-considered paper. Whether the writing is intended for a high-end scholarly journal or a student's weekly assignment, the literature review pertains to uncovering the body of knowledge that previous researchers have generated. It is a savvy researcher who is able to take advantage of the existing base of knowledge in the creation of a new line of inquiry. A literature review should be conducted at the beginning of a research study. Using Chapter 2 of the Creswell text as guidance, write a literature review for your preferred area of criminal justice study. To successfully complete this study, you must Identify a particular area of criminal justice. Define the area’s boundaries by explaining the methodologies and statistical techniques used. Describe the specific canon of literature found. Define the field in general.

4. Critique the field, including areas requiring further examination. The literature review Must be three to five double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and Formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (sample Literature Review in the Ashford Writing Center). Must include a separate title page with the following: o Title of paper o Student’s name o Course name and number o Instructor’s name o Date submitted

5. Must use at least five peer-reviewed sources in addition to the course text. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 2 Discussion 1 DQ 1 What Is Ethical Research For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 2 Discussion 1 DQ 1 What Is Ethical Research Throughout the years, scientists have engaged in an array of ethically questionable research endeavors possessing dubious scientific value or validity. From the Nazi experimental trials to Stanley Milgram to the Tuskegee experiments, scientists have engaged in ethically unsound research in the name of progress or curiosity. The intelligentsia knew they could but failed to ask whether they should.

6. Identify the key tenets of ethical research used when evaluating criminal justice data and interpreting published research findings. Examine the principles that define ethical research in the field of criminal justice. Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Guided Response: Review your colleagues posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. Offer specific examples of principles and values that are core to the ethical conduct and use of research in the field. Take time also to consider and discuss those practices which might be considered unethical in the conduct and use of research in criminal justice. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 2 Discussion 2 DQ 2 Theory and the Real World

7. For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 2 Discussion 2 DQ 2 Theory and the Real World Research serves as a guide by which to study, describe, and quantify an array of social and physical phenomenon. Theory, which is best described as a set of propositions or hypotheses that specify the relationship among a subset of variables, serves as a way of offering an intellectualized general commentary on that which is observed. Using material found in Chapter 3 of this week's required reading, describe how theory is applicable to a research study. Answer the questions: How does theory inform a research study? How can a generalized theory remain timely enough to be applicable to new or innovative studies? Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.

8. Guided Response: Review your colleagues posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. Consider some specific measures by which theory can be applied to the development and conduct of a research problem, as well as the application of what is learned through a research study. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 3 Assignment Communicating Qualitative Research Analysis For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 3 Assignment Communicating Qualitative Research Analysis

9. In Chapter 9 of the text, Creswell (2014) discusses Qualitative Procedures. He suggests ten aspects that distinguish qualitative research writing. Considering the salient aspects of qualitative writing as depicted in Example 9.1 in your text; Identify three of the most salient aspects of the ten distinguishing characteristics of qualitative writing. Discuss why these aspects were selected. Describe how the selected aspects relate to the evaluation and interpretation of criminal justice data and Research findings. Explain why researchers would consider qualitative methods an artistic expression of formalized methodology. The paper Must be three to five double-spaced pages in length (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

10. Must include a separate title page with the following: o Title of paper o Student’s name o Course name and number o Instructor’s name o Date submitted • Must use at least five peer-reviewed sources in addition to the course text. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 3 Discussion 1 DQ 1 Overview of Qualitative Methods

11. For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ520 Week 3 Discussion 1 DQ 1 Overview of Qualitative Methods Qualitative research is fundamentally distinct from its quantitative counterpart. While quantitative research methods rely upon the conversion of observable phenomena into numeric data, qualitative analyses do not necessitate such a transformation of data points. Qualitative analysis offers a discriminating researcher a very nuanced approach to examining many specific social phenomena and is enjoying resurgence among researchers. After reading Chapters 7 and 9 of Creswell’s Research Design, identify the key tenets of qualitative methods used in criminal justice research. What do you see as the most critical aspects of qualitative research methods? How do these key tenets of qualitative research assist us when evaluating criminal justice data? How do these key tenets contribute to successfully interpreting published research findings?

12. How would you apply these tenets to answer a criminal justice research question? Guided Response: Review your colleague’s posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. (200 word minimum). You should discuss at least three of the following basic characteristics of qualitative research: natural setting, researcher as key instrument, multiple sources of data, inductive and deductive analysis, participants meaning, emergent design, reflexivity, or holistic account. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 3 Discussion 2 DQ 2 Examining and Thinking About the World Around Us For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com

13. CRJ 520 Week 3 Discussion 2 DQ 2 Examining and Thinking About the World Around Us Qualitative analysis requires a much different approach than that found in quantitative methods. There exist many nuances in the approach to qualitative inquiry. It can be as much an artistic expression of formal research as it is scholarly. In Chapter 9, Creswell suggests researchers follow six steps in order to most effectively conduct qualitative analysis. After reading Chapter 9, identify and discuss the salient aspects of the six steps of qualitative analysis suggested for use by the author. What are these six steps and what are their most salient aspects? How do these steps assist us when evaluating criminal justice data? How do these steps contribute to successfully interpreting published research findings? How would you apply these steps to answer a criminal justice research question? Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.

14. Guided Response: Review your colleague’s posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. Evaluate the most important aspects of Creswell’s six steps, and assess their strengths and weaknesses. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 4 Assignment Quantitative Analysis For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 4 Assignment Quantitative Analysis In Chapter 8 of the text, Creswell (2014) discusses data analysis and the interpretation of results (pp. 167-182). The author also identifies various threats to validity, strategies for specifying variables, techniques for dealing effectively with study participants, and suggests some

15. techniques for evaluating the results of a research study (p. 178). After examining his suggestions, consider the strengths and weaknesses of his approach as you Describe the various components of an experimental method plan, as envisioned by the author. Explain two styles of threats to validity. Describe the nuances involved in interpreting results from an empirical study. The paper Must be three to five double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate title page with the following: o Title of paper

16. o Student’s name o Course name and number o Instructor’s name o Date submitted • Must use at least three peer-reviewed sources in addition to the course text. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 4 Discussion 1 DQ 1 Overview of Quantitative Methods For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com

17. CRJ 520 Week 4 Discussion 1 DQ 1 Overview of Quantitative Methods Quantitative methods have been the traditional hallmarks of scientific inquiry. From an early age, we are all aware of the mathematical rigors involved in quantitative analyses. In the discipline of criminal justice, researchers utilize a variety of statistical tools with which to analyze empirical data. The inferences and conclusions that are drawn from such quantitative techniques have provided for empirically-based public policy, increased professionalism in law enforcement, and the development of more effective rehabilitative tools within corrections. Were it not for quantitative methods, much of what we current know about the world of criminal justice would not exist. After reading the Worrall article and Chapter 8 of Creswell’s Research Design, identify and discuss the key tenets of quantitative research methods used in research in criminal justice: What do you see as the most critical aspects of quantitative research methods? How do these key tenets of quantitative research assist us when evaluating criminal justice data? How do these key tenets contribute to successfully interpreting published research findings?

18. How would you apply these tenets to answer a criminal justice research question? Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Guided Response: Review your colleague’s posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. You should discuss, in a holistic sense, the role and general methodology of quantitative research. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 4 Discussion 2 DQ 2 Quantitative Design For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ520 Week 4 Discussion 2 DQ 2 Quantitative Design

19. All research Endeavour’s must, by necessity, progress through a series of logical and meaningful steps. These steps allow a researcher to be confident that the inferences and conclusions reached at the culmination of a project are valid, unbiased, representative, and generalizable. In Chapter 8 of the text, Creswell identifies six steps critical to the construction of a quantitative research proposal (pp. 162-166). After reading this chapter, discuss the six steps of the critical aspects of data analysis and interpretation identified by Creswell: • What are the six steps and why are they essential? • How do these steps assist us when evaluating criminal justice data? • How do these steps contribute to successfully interpreting published research findings? • How would you apply these steps to answer a criminal justice research question?

20. Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Guided Response: Review your colleague’s posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. Evaluate the role played by Creswell’s six steps and discuss the importance of each to the design of the proposal. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 5 Assignment The Two Primary Types of Mixed Methods Designs For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com

21. CRJ 520 Week 5 Assignment The Two Primary Types of Mixed Methods Designs In Chapter 10 of the text, the author discusses the two primary types of mixed methods designs (pp. 219- 223). After reading the text, paying particular attention to Figure 10.1 on page 220 and Figure 10.2 on page 221, examine this methodology as it pertains to research in criminal justice. Consider the key components, as well as major strengths and weaknesses, of the two primary types of mixed methods design. In your paper Identify the major components of mixed methods research design. Analyze the major strengths and weaknesses of mixed methods research design. Examine the use of such data by criminal justice agencies. The paper Must be three to five double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

22. Must include a separate title page with the following: o Title of paper o Student’s name o Course name and number o Instructor’s name o Date submitted • Must use at least three peer-reviewed sources in addition to the course text. o TheScholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sourcestable offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.

23. Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 5 Discussion DQ Overview of Mixed Methods For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 5 Discussion DQ Overview of Mixed Methods In the field of criminal justice, it is a well-known fact that pure quantitative research cannot adequately touch upon the many, varied nuances of many of the topics covered by most research. In addition, most criminologists would dare say that purely qualitative research often

24. proves inadequate for providing a thorough picture of current trends in the field. Often, researchers will combine facets of qualitative research with that of quantitative analyses. This can be likened to a best case scenario for a researcher. One can combine the inferential power of the quantitative empirical analyses with the more subtle offerings of the qualitative. Results can be more robust, representative, and generalizable. After reading Chapter 10 of Creswell’s Research Design (pp. 215-240), discuss the appropriate use and construction of mixed methods research and research design. Pay particular attention to Creswell’s discussion regarding the components of mixed methods procedures (pp. 216 - 219). in your post, address the following: • Explain why both qualitative and quantitative means might provide a more robust research study. • What do you see as the most critical aspects of mixed methods research? • How do these key tenets of mixed methods research assist us when evaluating criminal justice data?

25. • How do these key tenets contribute to successfully interpreting published research findings? Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Guided Response: Review your colleagues posts, and advance the conversation by substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 6 Discussion 1 DQ 1 Select a Research Methodology

26. For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 6 Discussion 1 DQ 1 Select a Research Methodology Every researcher is faced with a host of uncertainties as they embark upon any respective research Endeavour. Decisions have to be made, methodologies finalized, data analyzed, and inferences made. As you begin adding the final touches to your Final Project, take a moment to reflect on the course you took and the decisions you made as you finalize the form your proposal will take. • Which research methodology did you select? • What about your research study led you to select this methodology? Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Guided Response: Review your colleague’s posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Comment whether or not you agree with your classmates selections of research methodologies.

27. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post. This section lists options that can be used to view responses. ============================================== CRJ 520 Week 6 Final Project Research Study For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com CRJ 520 Week 6 Final Project Research Study The Final Project will be a 10- to 12-page research study that will require you to gather and explain raw data, arrange the data, analyze the data, and offer meaningful conclusions as to what the data show. Use Chapters 5 and 6 of this week's required readings for assistance on the construction of the paper's introduction and purpose statement. Raw data may be drawn from a singular source, though referral to multiple

28. sources, including secondary sources, is highly encouraged. The arrangement, analysis, and conclusions must be original. Specifically, you will evaluate criminal justice data, interpret published research findings, and apply scientific methodology to answer a criminal justice research question. Introduction In this section, you must Introduce a research problem or question. Include a thesis statement that identifies the purpose of conducting the research study. Encapsulate the impact of the conduct of the study. Literature Review In this section, you will

29. Provide the body of knowledge that previous researchers have generated. Describe how your research builds upon the base of knowledge already in existence. Methodology Explanation of Data Sets In this section, you must You must explain where your data were originated. Identify and specifically define the data set being used, its origin(s), and its composition. o Data can be acquired from a variety of sources. The sites listed below are excellent sources from which to obtain secondary data. Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splcenter.org/)

30. Anti-Defamation League (www.adl.org/) Bureau of Justice Statistics (www.bjs.gov/) Federal Bureau of Investigation (www.fbi.gov) Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics (http://www.albany.edu/sourcebook/)  Explain why this particular data set was chosen. Identify particular strengths and weaknesses of the set. Arrangement of Data In this section, you must detail the manner in which you arranged the data set so as to permit analysis and inference. Particularly in the case of a methodological approach applying quantitative principles, you are encouraged to use charts and graphs to explain your data arrangement. Specifically, you must Explain the methodologies and statistical techniques used in research in criminal justice. Evaluate criminal justice data with specific reference to a methodological approach.

31. Explain the principles of your selected approach. Results Data Analysis It is important that you use this step in the process for analyzing the data to determine what it shows, not the meaning of what it shows. In this section, you must Describe how you analyzed the data. Explain the conclusions drawn from the data analysis. Explain the inferences drawn from your data analysis. Conclusion

32. Finally, in this section, you must Identify and discuss the findings of your research study. Examine justifiable conclusions and inferences resulting from the data analysis. Explain the methodologies and statistical techniques used in research in criminal justice. Apply scientific methodology to answer a criminal justice research question. Summarize the entirety of your study by restating the purpose and consolidated outcomes of data set selection, data set arrangement, data analysis, and conclusions. ==============================================