The Research Proposal Process Step 1 Create 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 Process Systematic Steps build on each other Designed to: ◦ Add to the body of knowledge about a problem ◦ Identify solutions to a problem And/Or ◦ Evaluate effectiveness of a solution

Scientific Proposal Step 1: Problem Statements Where to Start? Identify interests in CJ Brainstorm: ◦ 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 Start Interests ◦ Domestic Violence ◦ Managing police organizations ◦ Violence in prison ◦ Recidivism of ex-offenders ◦ Juvenile gangs ◦ What about a CSI issue Example: DNA Backlog

What 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 Backlog What “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 Backlog What 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 effects Identify what is wrong Include measurable variables Are specific

Problem Statements Are concise Focus on who is affected by the problem Show 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 Statement Post 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 1 Create a Problem Statement Research Methods in Criminal Justice CJ490