School Violence and the Measures of Preventing or Minimizing It - Research Paper Example

? Research Methodology The proposed research study is based on evaluating school violence and the measures that can be adopted with the aim of preventing or minimizing it. The study is mainly concerned with the identification of appropriate research methodologies or approaches which can be adopted while designing the proposal to study violence in the schools along with identifying the possible methods to lessen abusive acts. In this regard, it can be recommended that a mixed approach comprising qualitative and quantitative research methods can be appropriate for this proposed study. Moreover, in order to collect appropriate and adequate data both primary and secondary data collection methods can be adopted for this proposed study to reveal accurate and detailed findings. Introduction Violence in the schools is recognized to be one of the major issues in terms of social malpractice. Violence in the schools not only affects students in the processes of their learning and well-being but also has a long-term impact on their later life as well as achievements. Violence in the schools unfavorably affects the behavior of the victim students. There are various ways through which violence can be committed in schools. The most commonly identified school violence acts include bullying, gang violence, assault and slapping among others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). The violent acts in schools may lead to homicide incidents and injuries which undesirably tend to influence the psychological as well as physical health of victim students. In this regard, certain procedures or methods should be adopted with the intention of mitigating the issue of violence in the schools. There are various research methodologies or approaches which can be used to recognize violent acts executed in schools and determine procedures on the basis of which these uncalled-for acts can be mitigated or prevented. The research methodologies or approaches which can be adopted in this proposed research study will assist in identifying violence in the schools and devising appropriate measures to eliminate or lessen these issues. There are various types of research approaches which include qualitative research method, quantitative research method, inductive approach and deductive approach. Moreover, these research approaches aid in drawing findings on the basis of the analysis of collected data. Data can be collected through two procedures which entail primary as well as secondary data collection methods (University of Bradford, 2012). Prevailing Preventive Measures in Place A number of school authorities have formulated various forms of prevention plans and procedures with the intention of averting or minimizing school violence. The various prevention plans which are formulated and implemented by schools are as follows: Developing Safe and Responsive School Climate Many authorities of schools have initiated and followed certain specific plans with the intention of offering better school climate for students. These schools have adopted classroom management and conflict resolution programs in order to mitigate violence. These programs have facilitated schools in providing better education and learning environment for students (Skiba, Boone, Fantanini, Wu, Strussell & Peterson, 1999). Early Identification and Early Intervention for Students At-Risk for Violence Administrators of schools and teachers should identify any possibilities related to violence at an early stage so that these issues can be mitigated promptly without any delay before the actual occurrence of violence. Upon the identification of any kind of alienated behaviors amid students, they should be offered with adequate mentoring as well as counseling supports in order to minimize or decrease their aggressive behavior. In this respect, the students are likely to develop a self-esteem and social manner (Skiba, Boone, Fantanini, Wu, Strussell & Peterson, 1999). Effective Responses to School Disruption or Crisis At the same time, many school authorities have designed and implemented zero tolerance policies in order to eliminate the possibility of school violence. The zero tolerance policies have led to the expulsion of many students committing school violence to a large extent. These policies have assisted schools in maintaining a better classroom and school climate. However, these policies and their implications cannot be measured in terms of changing the behavior of the students (Skiba, Boone, Fantanini, Wu, Strussell & Peterson, 1999). These are various prevention programs which are adopted by schools with the intention of preventing school violence. It is worth mentioning that these programs are adopted after making due analysis and evaluation of their effectiveness. Research Question In this proposed research, research question can be formulated with the objective of ascertaining the aims of the study. Moreover, the research question will assist in exploring the central phenomenon of the proposed study. The research questions are to be formulated in a precise and lucid fashion so that the relationship amid the different variables of the proposed study can be recognized appropriately. For example, a research question for this proposed study can be framed as ‘what is the extent of school violence and its implications on victim students?’ Moreover, another example of research question can also be framed as ‘what is the notion of school violence and the procedures for its prevention?’ The research question is also recognized as a problem statement. The research question provides the idea or concept on the basis of which the study is to be examined or evaluated. In this context, it can be comprehended that the research question is an important component of a research proposal for drawing appropriate inferences and ascertaining reliable outcome from the proposed research (Haber, 2008). Hypothesis In this proposed research, hypothesis can be formulated with the aim of determining the relationship amid the identified variables in the study. The hypothesis testing is a statistical procedure on the basis of which comparisons are made among groups or population undertaken in study. With the assistance of hypothesis testing, the investigators can determine inferences or conclusions in relation to the sample population which are undertaken for the study. There are two types of hypotheses which include null and alternative hypotheses. A null hypothesis signifies a traditional approach depicting that there is no relationship or difference amid sample population. On the other hand, the alternative or directional hypothesis implies the expected outcome or result which an investigator predicts. In this proposed research, the hypothesis testing on formulation and implementation will assist in recognizing the relationship which exits amid identified variables and sample population. The prime aim of hypothesis is to determine the solutions to the formulated research question (Haber, 2008). Research Objectives In this proposed research study, research objectives can be formulated with the aim of ascertaining the desired outcomes or results to be accomplished after the successful completion of the proposed research. The research objectives are framed on the basis of the determined research question or problem statement. These formulated objectives will provide the motive in accordance with which the proposed research will be conducted or executed. The research objectives which can be formulated for the proposed study will aid in acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the research question or problem statement (University of Pretoria, 2004). For example, in this proposed research, the objectives can be as follows: To understand the various aspects of school violence To determine the various implications of school violence amid students To recognize the various steps as well as procedures implemented to prevent school violence In this manner, research objectives can be devised with the intention of having a broader outlook of the proposed study to be executed in an efficient manner. The research proposal will intend to discuss the various research approaches which can be adopted with the intention of recognizing violence in the schools and devising measures and strategies to prevent or mitigate it. Research Methodologies Quantitative Approach The quantitative approach is a procedure of examining numeric data in relation to their scale, frequency and range among others. This approach is a structured procedure which assists in analyzing collected data in a detailed manner. In this approach, the collected data are analyzed with the utilization of statistical methods. There are numerous types of quantitative research which include survey research, experimental research, correlational research and causal-comparative research among others. The quantitative research approach will aid in analyzing data at large comprising greater sample size or population. The statistical outcomes which are obtained from the study would assist in comparing the results or findings with others’ obtained outcomes. In this respect, the quantitative approach is important in order to depict a set of true and appropriate results (Sukamolson, 2005). In this proposed research study, a quantitative research approach can be utilized with the intention of determining the various aspects of school violence and their implications in numeric terms and in a precise manner. The data collected can be analyzed with quantitative research approach through various statistical tools such as graphs and charts among others. Moreover, the collected data can be analyzed with other statistical tools which include correlation analysis, standard deviation and central tendency among others. In this respect, the quantitative approach will assist in determining the various aspects or acts which are related to school violence. The findings which can be obtained from the quantitative analysis of data are more significant and accurate in comparison with other research methodologies (Jacobs, 2012). Qualitative Approach The qualitative approach is a procedure of ascertaining values, perceptions as well as attitudes of individuals in a more enhanced manner. The qualitative approach is often advocated to be a suitable research method in the study primarily related with human factors. This research approach is identified to be subjective. This research approach is easy to commence and conduct but the data interpreted and the findings which are obtained can be challenged easily. The various methods of data collection which are adopted for the execution of qualitative research approach include observations, interview as well as focus group (Hancock, 2002). In this context, a qualitative research approach can be undertaken for this research proposal with the objective of determining the key phenomenon associated with school violence. Additionally, the collected data from the interview process are to be analyzed through qualitative approach. On the basis of the analysis, the findings of this proposed study can reveal a reliable understanding in relation to the prevailing conditions in schools, behavior of students and their relationships with other students, school management and teachers. Furthermore, the proposed study can also recommend various procedures based on the findings ascertained from the qualitative study in order to prevent school violence (Daniels & Bradley, 2005). Mixed Approach Mixed approach is a process of analyzing collected data through the assistance of both qualitative and quantitative methods. This approach is most useful in interpreting the collected data in a comprehensive manner. Mixed approach i.e. both qualitative and quantitative approaches are used with the intention of ascertaining the research questions in an appropriate manner. The combination of both qualitative as well as quantitative research approach may assist in obtaining precise outcomes. The adoption of mixed approach will improve the strengths and minimize the weaknesses in obtaining the findings of a proposed study by facilitating a comprehensive understanding of both tangible as well as intangible variables (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2009). In this research proposal, the mixed approach can be adopted with the objective of ascertaining that the outcomes or the findings of the proposed research are comprehensive, reliable and precise. The analysis of the collected data through qualitative as well as quantitative approaches can aid in obtaining a better perspective related to school violence and how school violence has affected student behavior and school climate. Moreover, on the basis of the analysis, various preventive measures can be identified which are suitable in order to mitigate the problem of school violence (Morrison, 2002). Deductive Approach The deductive approach is a process of obtaining significant information from general perspectives towards a more specific approach or situation. This approach will assist in identifying a particular problem more appropriately from a broader array of information and issues. Additionally, this approach is easy and follows a systematic procedure of analyzing data which are collected from different sources (University of Bradford, 2012). In this proposed study, the deductive approach can be applied with the intention of specifically identifying the extent as well as the issues which are related to school violence. Moreover, this approach may also aid in determining the various prevention measures which can be adopted by school or educational institutes with the intention of preventing school violence. This approach may be suitable in identifying the various risks which are attached with school violence (Reddy, Borum, Berglund, Vossekuil, Fein & Modzeleski, 2001). Inductive Approach The inductive approach is a process of analyzing data which starts from a particular problem but the results or findings are obtained on a broader perspective. This approach assists in accumulating vast information based on particular or specific issue. This approach is quite time consuming but the findings ascertained are more appropriate and reliable (University of Bradford, 2012). In this proposed research, the inductive research approach can be adopted with the intention of determining the various factors or causes that are responsible for school violence, and changes in the attitude and behavior of students. Moreover, with the assistance of this approach, the findings of the proposed study can exhibit the social and childhood determinants which can be responsible for violent acts among students in school. The inductive research approach may also aid in recognizing significant aspects concerning the collected data. The proposed research objectives and findings can be interlinked with the assistance of this approach. Additionally, models or theories can also be developed with the help of this approach in relation to the structure or design of the processes related to data analysis (Richmond & Smith, 2012). These are the various research approaches or methodologies on the basis of which data can be analyzed for this proposed research study. Among the research approaches which are stated above, the most appropriate one will be mixed approach which can be adopted by this proposed research study in order to obtain more significant information and findings, Data Collection Data collection is an essential part in any research study. This is due to the reason that the reliability of the findings obtained from the undertaken research study largely depends upon the accuracy and the validity of the collected data. There are two types of data collection methods which include primary and secondary data collection method. In this proposed research study both primary and secondary data methods can be adopted. The primary data collection method comprises observation, interview (semi-structured or structured interview), questionnaires and surveys. On the other hand, the secondary data are collected from various secondary sources which include journals, books and other online sources. In this proposed study, primary data can be collected from semi-structured interview i.e. focus group. While, secondary data can be collected from recently published journals and books (Pollack, Modzeleski & Rooney, 2008). Ethical Consideration In this research proposal, ethical considerations acquire paramount importance concerning the data collection techniques. It is crucial that the data obtained from various sources particularly from the primary sources are obtained with due consideration to the ethical perspectives. Consequently, the human participants involved in this proposed research should be well informed about the objectives of the research study as well as due consent should be received from all the participants concerning the usability of data obtained from them. On the other hand, ethical consideration also needs to be ascertained related to the secondary data to be collected so that only authentic and reliable sources are referred for the study (University of Bradford, 2012). Conclusion Due recommendations have been made for designing the research proposal concerning school violence and its prevention measures. School violence is one of the major social issues in the present day context. School violence is determined to adversely affect students and school environment, deteriorating the teaching and learning process. Violent acts in schools affect students in relation to their physical as well as psychological growth and development. School violence adversely affects the behavior of victim students and their attitudes which often have long-term implications in their later life. There are various research methodologies or approaches which are adopted with the intention of identifying aspects or causes which are responsible for school violence. Moreover, on the basis of the findings of these researches various preventive measures in relation to school violence can be obtained. In this recommendation paper, various research approaches are mentioned which can be adopted with the objective of executing the proposed study in an effective and appropriate manner. In this regard, mixed approach which comprises qualitative and quantitative research method can be recommended to obtain reliable and appropriate findings. This proposed study can acquire both primary and secondary data in order to obtain adequate information reflecting school violence and preventive measures. In this respect, the findings of the proposed study can be more valid and precise. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Understanding school violence. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/schoolviolence_factsheet-a.pdf Daniels, J. A., & Bradley, M. C. (2005). A qualitative analysis of thwarted acts of school violence. Persistently safe schools 2005: the national conference of the Hamilton fish institute on school and community violence, pp. 29-38. Haber, J. (2008). Research questions, hypotheses and clinical questions. Chapter 2, pp. 27-55. Hancock, B. (2002). Trent focus group an introduction to qualitative research. An introduction to qualitative research, pp. 1-27. Jacobs, L. (2012). School violence: a multidimensional educational nemesis. Theses, pp. 2-342. Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2009). Mixed methods research: a research paradigm whose time has come. Educational researcher 33(7), pp. 14-26. Morrison, B. (2002). Bullying and victimisation in schools: a restorative justice approach. Australian institute of criminology (219), pp. 1-6 Pollack, W. S., Modzeleski, W., & Rooney, G. (2008). Prior knowledge of potential school-based violence: information students learn may prevent a targeted attack. United States secret service and United States department of education, pp. 1-14. Reddy, M., Borum, R., Berglund, J., Vossekuil, B., Fein, R., & Modzeleski, W. (2001). Evaluating risk for targeted violence in schools: comparing risk assessment, threat assessment, and other approaches. Psychology in the schools 38(2), pp. 157-172. Richmond, C. A., & Smith, D. (2012). Sense of belonging in the urban school environments of aboriginal youth. The international indigenous policy journal 3(1), pp.1-17. Skiba, R., Boone, K., Fantanini, A., Wu, T., Strussell, A., & Peterson, R. (1999). Preventing school violence: a practical guide to comprehensive planning. The safe and responsive schools project, pp. 1-35. Sukamolson, S. (2005). Fundamentals of quantitative research. E-journal, pp. 1-20. University of Bradford. (2012). An introduction to research & research methods. Retrieved from http://www.brad.ac.uk/management/media/management/els/Introduction-to-Research-and-Research-Methods.pdf University of Pretoria. (2004). The research objective and research approach. Retrieved from http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-11102008-150737/unrestricted/02chapters3-4.pdf Read More