CRJ/520 CRJ520 CRJ 520 WEEK 4 DISCUSSION 1

CRJ 520 WEEK 4 DISCUSSION 1

Discussion 1

Quantitative methods have been the traditional hallmarks of scientific inquiry.  From an early age, we are all aware of the mathematical rigors involved in quantitative analyses. In the discipline of criminal justice, researchers utilize a variety of statistical tools with which to analyze empirical data. The inferences and conclusions that are drawn from such quantitative techniques have provided for empirically-based public policy, increased professionalism in law enforcement, and the development of more effective rehabilitative tools within corrections. Were it not for quantitative methods, much of what we current know about the world of criminal justice would not exist.

After reading the Worrall article and Chapter 8 of Creswell’s Research Design, identify and discuss the key tenets of quantitative research methods used in research in criminal justice:

• What do you see as the most critical aspects of quantitative research methods?
• How do these key tenets of quantitative research assist us when evaluating criminal justice data?
• How do these key tenets contribute to successfully interpreting published research findings?
• How would you apply these tenets to answer a criminal justice research question?

Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.

Guided Response: Review your colleagues’ posts, and substantively respond to at least three of your peers by Day 7. You should discuss, in a holistic sense, the role and general methodology of quantitative research. Each of your responses should be at least 200 words in length. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post.

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.