Social Environment Factors - Essay Example

Research Questions: ‘What roles do social environment factors, such as, domestic violence, substance abuse, peer pressure, play in the lives of juveniles and their ability to commit crimes?” 

‘Why do juveniles commit crimes?’ to ‘What are the reasons that contribute to juveniles ability to commit crimes?’ 

Qualitative Research Orientation: I will carry out a qualitative study which will observe, explore and understand the meaning of groups ascribe to a problem (Creswell, 2009). Although initially case study was my mode of selection because of the in-depth analysis of the variables however now that I review my work I think Narrative inquiry would be a lot more appropriate. By utilizing interviews and reviews as means of data gathering it will enable me to gain information directly from the participants in order to carry out my research effectively.

Research Design:

1. Role of Researcher. One of the biases which might affect my research is that of my own personal belief that juvenile boys are more likely to commit crimes than girls. This might result in a selection bias, that is, I might unconsciously be more inclined to pick male participants for the study. As far as my personal interest is concerned the topic of juvenile crime fascinates me. The notion that the values that we acquire from our interactions and social environment shape who we are is one that I firmly believe in. If our interactions are positive and encouraging we grow into responsible adults, at least that is what the general consensus is. However my experience suggests otherwise. There are so many adolescents that are given all sorts of facilities and encouragement yet they turn towards a life of crime. This is why I chose to study the aspect of juvenile crime and how it is affected by the social environment.
2. Sample Size.

Alpha = .05

Power = .80

Estimated Effect Size = .10

Conducting “Analysis of Variance” because you would be comparing more than two groups

K = 3 [domestic violence, peer pressure and substance abuse]).

Sample size needed: You would need 30 participants in EACH group, for a grand total of 90 participants; adding in a “buffer” for possible attrition. That makes approximately 10% attrition from pre to post assessment, adding an additional 9 participants (90 * .10 = 9). That is a grand total of N = 99 (with 33 in each group) (Dr. Burkholder, Study notes).

1. Sample and Context. Under 18 boys and girls with a juvenile record, who are primarily high school students and belong to the American culture.
   
   d. Sampling Procedure. The method of non probability sampling I believe will be most appropriate for carrying out my research. In fact to be even specific purposive sampling technique which aids exploratory research and encompasses obtaining data from specific individuals, in case of my investigation this would be juveniles. This will ensure internal validity of the study as the chosen sample will be a certain fraction of the population.

1. Data Type and Collection: With the help of self report surveys, questionnaire or poll participants will select a response by themselves without researcher interference. With the use of open questions as well as a Likert rating scale will provide in depth data that will facilitate data gathering for the research.
   
   f. Data Analysis: The technique that will be used to analyze the data will be that of content analysis. Ole Holsti(1969) offers a broad definition of content analysis as "any technique for making inferences by objectively and systematically identifying specified characteristics of messages. It basically looks at "Who says what, to whom, why, to what extent and with what effect?" 
2. 
   
   Ethical Protection of Participants. : I will carry out a qualitative study which will observe, explore and understand the meaning of groups ascribe to a problem (Creswell, 2009). Although initially case study was my mode of selection because of the in-depth analysis of the variables however now that I review my work I think Narrative inquiry would be a lot more appropriate. By utilizing interviews and reviews as means of data gathering it will enable me to gain information directly from the participants in order to carry out my research effectively (Code of Conduct, 2010).