In your view, is the study a successful example of the method or unconvincing because of methodological flaws?

Assignment Question

The challenge of the assignment is to show that you can evaluate a study, including all relevant information about the research design and excluding minor details that are not critical to an evaluation of the study.

Your essay MUST include the following: Full citation of the article and any other references in text and in a bibliography, Identification of the research question(s) of the study, Identification of the method used in the study, Identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the method utilized in the study, References to relevant research methods concepts that are applicable to the study, Your evaluation of the value of the research for criminology and criminal justice scholars and/or society. In your view, is the study a successful example of the method or unconvincing because of methodological flaws?

Excellent essays will: Focus attention on the central propositions in the research argument. Major concepts in research methods are mentioned and explained specifically within the context of the study (not generally defined). Avoid tangential or trivial conclusions. A proposition is central to the extent that it is a basis for other propositions or the conclusion. Data are central to the extent that they are the only evidence available to support the most central propositions and conclusions. Focus on bias rather than noise. Random errors in observation are worth noting, but they merely weaken the strength of empirical evidence. Systematic errors of method or design are much more important. Apply relevant criticism to the study at hand.

(IMPORTANT NOTE: It is not relevant to wish that a survey had instead been an ethnography. It is not relevant to criticize an ethnography because it is not generalizable to a larger population like a survey might be. A successful evaluation of a study applies the correct standard to the method.

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