Gun Violence Gang Association and Youth Association Order Instructions: a critique of the research study in which you:
• Evaluate the purpose statement using the Purpose Statement Checklist as a guide

• Analyze alignment among the theory, research problem, and purpose
• Explain your position on the relationship between research and social change

Gun Violence Gang Association and Youth Association Sample Answer

GUN VIOLENCE, GANG ASSOCIATION AND YOUTH ASSOCIATION

Introduction

A purpose statement is a segment of the introductory portion of a study that summarizes the research’s role and hints on what the research is about and how it achieved the purpose. The purpose statement of the research calls for the introduction of measures to curb gun violence and implement intervention programs were necessary to control gun violence. The statement includes all the signaling words the research is about, that is, gun violence, gangs and the youth. The statement is clear that the research is qualitative due to the mention of a small sample and qualitative research techniques such as Poisson and logistic regression. The statement is framed in a manner that is consistent with the purpose of the research as it demonstrates intend to achieve a positive hypothesis on the dependent variables. The statement also indicates the following;

 Intent

The research intends to expose the influence of gangs and gun violence in various neighborhoods in various parts of the United States on the inception of young boys and girls into gangs. This is so as to encourage invention measures to end gun crime in America, which is currently a major concern.

Participants and Research site

There are a hundred and sixty four participants in the research. However, the purpose statement is not very clear about the sampling techniques used and the ratios between the respondent categories. The statement also mentions the research site to be in middle schools in South East Lost Angeles, California.

Variables used

The use of the sample data in the research as well the regression models provides a pre-emptive analysis of the cases in Los Angeles. The distribution of the sample is ample to provide a proper representation of the entire scope of research. However, the use of a sample of predominantly Hispanic boys and girls is imminently circumstantial. This presents a significant challenge to the research since communities in Black, Native American and Asian-American communities may present different findings.

Theory Identified

The research demonstrates the confirmation of the Social Cognitive theory by Holt and Chapman. The theory can be summarized as follows ‘portions of a person’s knowledge can be acquired by directly observing the actions of other people and learning from them.’ Communal issues such as neighborhood gang presence, gun presence and cases of gang violence often affect the psychological response of children to gang violence (Decker, van Gemert & Pyrooz, 2009). In some cases, the perception of these issues can discourage these children from aggressive practices while in other cases; it can encourage them to join gangs where they feel like it is the only way to survive such neighborhoods.

Other factors such as level of education, nature of neighborhoods and existing legislation are important aspects of this research that need to be included as well (Klein, 2007). It is necessary to also ensure that the sample distributes aspects of distribution such as age groups, family income and cognitive factors in the children. These issues present a clearer picture in researches (Wolverton, 2009).

Data collection techniques

The interviews were used for qualitative data while the questionnaires presented a survey sample for the quantitative data.

Gun Violence Gang Association and Youth Association Conclusion

The purpose statement of the research by Forster, Grigsby, Unger & Sussman (2015) demonstrates that mixed methods are used in the research. The statement presents an aspect of quantitative analysis in the number of households with cases of violence as well as views from different households; all Hispanic. Research on impact analysis and correlative data needs to be very accurate and particular. However, there should be quantifiable and qualified data for use in research that seeks to encourage policy changes and the adoption of new measures to change an endemic issue (Grantham, 2009). The research by Forster, Grigsby, Unger & Sussman (2015) does present relevant information on gang violence. However, this data is not sufficient to encourage policy change.

Gun Violence Gang Association and Youth Association References

Decker, S. H., van Gemert, F., & Pyrooz, D. C. (2009). Gangs, migration, and crime: The changing landscape in europe and the USA. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 10(4), 393-408.

Forster, M., Grigsby, T. J., Unger, J. B., & Sussman, S. (2015). Associations between gun violence exposure, gang associations, and youth aggression: Implications for prevention and intervention programs. Journal of Criminology, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.11

Grantham, R. V. (2009). Wheelchair warrior: Gangs, disability, and basketball. Contemporary Sociology, 38(2), 154-155.

Klein, M. W. (2007). Gangs in the global city: Alternatives to traditional criminology. Contemporary Sociology, 36(5), 480-481.

McGloin, J. M. (2007). Studying youth gangs. Contemporary Sociology, 36(2), 171-172.

Wolverton, Marvin L, PhD., M.A.I. (2009). Research design, hypothesis testing, and sampling. The Appraisal Journal, 77(4), 370-382.