This is a fairly simple assignment that can earn you some quick and easy points. All you have to do is select a research topic. As discussed in class and in the course syllabus, each of you will be creating a research proposal. We will not get through the entire data collection process, but we will begin the front half of the paper.
Therefore, as you review the information in the current module and the items in the previous modules, think about what type of research design and types of questions you would want to incorporate in your research proposal. You will have a variety of topics to choose from, however, once you select your topic and submit it in the submission box, you can not change that topic.
To review the list of topics, go back to the the section in the coursebook (ch. 1) on the "problem formation: selection of a research problem" and review the list of the NIJ's active research agenda. Choose from the list of research agendas the topic that you believe to be the most important or significant or just one that peaks your interest the most and you would like to investigate further.
After reviewing the topics, simply just type into the submission box the topic that interests you the most and you know you would be excited to write your proposal on.
Tip for selecting: Sometimes the title of the topics may not do the actual topic justice, therefore, I would recommend searching that topic on google scholar first and reviewing some of the other research related to that topic. See if you think you could add something new to what is already there and/or if some of the other pieces pose other questions that you may have been thinking about related to that topic.
Some possible research topics from the NIJ's active research agenda are:
1. Body-worn cameras and police use of force: This topic explores the impact of body-worn cameras on police use of force incidents and the transparency of law enforcement actions.
2. Cybercrime and digital forensics: This topic focuses on the emerging challenges and advancements in investigating and preventing cybercrimes, as well as the use of digital forensic techniques in criminal investigations.
3. Rehabilitation and reentry programs for offenders: This topic examines the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reentry programs in reducing recidivism rates and promoting successful reintegration of offenders into society.
4. School safety and violence prevention: This topic investigates strategies and interventions aimed at preventing violence in schools, ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff.
5. Juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention: This topic explores effective prevention and intervention strategies for reducing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive youth development.
After reviewing these topics, it is important to consider your own interests and expertise. Choose the topic that you find most compelling and that aligns with your academic and career goals. Additionally, conducting a preliminary search on Google Scholar or other scholarly databases can help you assess the existing research and identify any knowledge gaps or potential research questions you are interested in exploring further.
To select a research topic for your proposal, follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Review the information in the current module and the items in the previous modules to understand the different research designs and types of questions.
2. Go back to the section in the coursebook (chapter 1) on "problem formation: selection of a research problem."
3. Look for the list of the NIJ's active research agenda. This list will provide a variety of research topics to choose from.
4. Read through the topics and consider their significance and your interest in them. Select the topic that you believe is the most important or significant or the one that interests you the most.
5. Before finalizing your decision, conduct a quick search on Google Scholar using the topic you have chosen. This will allow you to review existing research related to that topic.
6. Evaluate whether you can contribute something new to the existing research or if there are other related questions that you would like to explore.
7. Once you have made your decision, type the chosen topic into the submission box as instructed.
Remember, once you submit your topic, you will not be able to change it. So it is important to ensure that you are genuinely interested in the topic and confident in your ability to contribute to the existing research.
To select a research topic and submit it for your research proposal assignment, follow these steps:
1. Read the section in the coursebook (ch. 1) on "problem formation: selection of a research problem" to get an understanding of the importance of selecting a research topic.
2. Review the list of topics provided in the course material. These topics are based on the NIJ's (National Institute of Justice) active research agenda.
3. Go through each topic and consider which one piques your interest the most or is most significant to you. Consider the potential impact of researching that topic and your own excitement to write a proposal on it.
4. If the titles of the topics do not provide enough information, it's recommended to search for the topic on Google Scholar. This will help you find related research and see if there are any gaps or areas where you can contribute something new.
5. Evaluate if you can add a fresh perspective or address unanswered questions within the topic you select. This will help ensure your research proposal has a unique contribution.
6. Once you have chosen a topic, type it into the submission box specifically designated for this assignment. Ensure that you double-check your choice before submitting because topics cannot be changed once submitted.
By following these steps and considering additional research related to the chosen topic, you can select a research topic for your proposal that genuinely interests you and has the potential for meaningful investigation.