Homework: Research Methods in the Social Sciences
For this homework, you will demonstrate that you know how to analyze a social science research article. This requires that you have a solid understanding of research methods.
First, find a social science research article on the topic you have selected for Gang culture among disenfranchised youth.The article must describe an actual study and it must have been written within the past 5 years. Do not select a review article or theoretical piece.
Next, answer the following questions. If you don't know the answer, take your best guess. Since this is a discussion, you should review the answers of some of your classmates and help them out as needed.
1) What is the research problem being explored in this article?
2) Is the literature review current and relevant? How do you know?
3) Is the research grounded in theory? If so, what theory?
4) Does the article explain why this research is important? How?
5) Is the study qualitative or quantitative in nature? How do you know?
6) What sampling technique was used?
7) Who are the participants?
8) How did the researcher address the ethical treatment of human participants and their data?
9) What measures and methods were used? Are they appropriate for the research question being asked?
10) What were the procedures used to collect data?
11) How was data analysis addressed?
12) What were the primary findings (results)?
13) What were the major conclusions?
14) What were identified weaknesses or limitations of the research?
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.