The Research Proposal Process Step 1 Create a Problem Statement

The Research Proposal Process Step 1Create a Problem Statement

Research Methods in Criminal Justice

CJ490

Ask a question/Identify a problem

Do Background Research

Construct a proposal hypothesis

DEVELOP Research Project to Test hypothesis

Scientific Research PROPOSAL

Unit 1 GW!

Research

Methods

Research Design

Sampling Plan

Scientific Research ProcessSystematicSteps build on each otherDesigned to:◦Add to the body of knowledge about a

problem◦Identify solutions to a problemAnd/Or◦Evaluate effectiveness of a solution

Scientific Proposal Step 1: Problem Statements

Where to Start?Identify interests in CJBrainstorm: ◦What are the issues?◦What are the problems?◦What “bugs” you about the topic?◦Why do you want to know more

about the topic?◦What do you already know?◦Where can you find out more?

Example: Where to StartInterests◦Domestic Violence◦Managing police organizations◦Violence in prison◦Recidivism of ex-offenders◦Juvenile gangs◦What about a CSI issue

Example: DNA Backlog

Example: DNA BacklogWhat are the issues? ◦Perps get away◦Innocent people in jail

What are the problems?◦New technology◦DNA database limited◦Too few knowledgeable staff?◦Unrealistic expectations?◦Those involved in trial don’t

understand DNA?

Example: DNA BacklogWhat “bugs” you about the

topic?◦Perp get away!!◦Innocent people in jail

Why do you want to know more about the topic?◦What to be a CSI

Example: DNA BacklogWhat do you already know?◦It’s cool◦Everyone has DNA◦Scene evidence often includes

blood◦Database exists

Where can you find out more?◦Internet?◦School library!

Problem Statements

State effectsIdentify what is wrongInclude measurable variablesAre specific

Problem StatementsAre conciseFocus on who is affected by the

problemShow the gap between “what is”

and “what should be”

Problem Statement: Example

Topic: DNA backlog◦Backlog of an average of 18 months

in processing DNA has caused wrongly convicted offenders to remain in jail

Or◦Backlog of an average of 18 months

in processing DNA has resulted in perpetrators being able to elude capture

Testing our Problem Statement

Backlog of an average of 18 months in processing DNA has resulted in perpetrators being able to elude capture

States effect: Perpetrators elude capture – OKAY!

Testing our Problem Statement

Backlog of an average of 18 months in processing DNA has resulted in perpetrators being able to elude capture

Measurable: ◦Average time in processing - 18

Months – OKAY!◦Elude capture – How can I measure

something that does not happen? REVISE

Testing our Problem Statement

Backlog of an average of 18 months in processing DNA has resulted in perpetrators being able to elude capture

Shows the gap? What is the ideal? Need to find out! REVISE

Revising Problem Statement

Problem◦Elude capture is not measurable◦What happens when perps elude

capture? Case remains open – could measure the

number of open cases!

Revising Problem Statement

Problem◦Gap is not identified◦What is ideal?

Don’t know! Need to look at literature Temporary Solution: 1 week would help

capture perps. Use 1 week for now.

Problem Statement Revised

Backlog of an average of 18 months in processing DNA has resulted in a high number of cases remaining open. Reducing the processing time to a few days or a week will assist law enforcement in identifying perpetrators, so investigations can proceed to closure.

Problem StatementPost early in UNIT 1 Get Write!◦Get feedback from instructor◦Give feedback to other students◦Share ideas!◦Share resources!

Researchers do not work alone!

You don’t need to either!

The Research Proposal Process Step 1Create a Problem Statement

Research Methods in Criminal Justice

CJ490