The Research Proposal Process Step 1 Create a Problem Statement Research Methods in Criminal Justice CJ490
Jan 01, 2016
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 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!