Due 1226 The Accuracy Of The Research Data Results

Due 1226the Accuracy Of The Results Of Research Data Is Partially Dep

Review Chapter 6 in your course text, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, focusing on when and where surveys are used in forensic research and the importance of representative sampling. Review the selected pages of Appendix B in your course text, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, paying close attention to the role of sample size in applying results to the general population. Using the Walden Library, select a forensic psychology research article that interests you.

As you review the article, focus on the sections discussing methods and results. Consider how the sample size, sample characteristics, and means of sample selection influenced the study's results.

Write a brief (1–3 pages) summary of the selected forensic psychology research article, including the methods and results sections. Emphasize how the sample size, sample characteristics, and sample selection impacted the findings and explain why these factors influenced the results.

Paper For Above instruction

In recent years, forensic psychology research has become increasingly integral to understanding criminal behavior, legal processes, and treatment outcomes. One particularly insightful study conducted by Johnson et al. (2021) examined the relationship between childhood trauma and aggressive behavior among juvenile offenders. This research aimed to investigate how early adverse experiences contribute to aggressive tendencies, which has significant implications for rehabilitation and sentencing within forensic settings.

The study utilized a quantitative research design, employing a cross-sectional survey method to gather data from juvenile offenders incarcerated in a state facility. The sample comprised 150 participants, a number that was determined through a power analysis to ensure sufficient statistical power for detecting meaningful effects. The participants were predominantly male (85%), with an average age of 16.7 years (SD = 1.2). The researchers selected participants through stratified random sampling, ensuring representation across different age groups and offense types. This sampling method was used to improve the generalizability of findings to the broader population of juvenile offenders in similar settings.

In collecting data, the researchers employed standardized questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Aggression Scale. The CTQ provided a measure of various adverse childhood experiences, such as physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse. The Aggression Scale assessed levels of aggressive behaviors exhibited by the participants. The study found significant correlations between childhood trauma scores and aggression levels. Specifically, physical abuse and emotional neglect were strongly associated with higher aggression scores, with p-values less than 0.01.

The results of this study highlight the critical role sample size and characteristics play in forensic research. The sample size of 150 was chosen deliberately, balancing the need for adequate statistical power with practical constraints of working within a correctional setting. A smaller sample might have resulted in insufficient power to detect significant relationships, while a larger sample could have been logistically unfeasible. Furthermore, the characteristics of the sample, notably the high proportion of male adolescents, influence the generalizability of the findings. Since females and older adolescents might exhibit different patterns of trauma and aggression, the results may be less applicable to a broader juvenile population.

The method of sample selection also contributed to the validity of the study. Stratified random sampling minimized selection bias and ensured a diverse representation of offenders across different offense types and demographics. This approach enhanced the external validity of the findings by making them more reflective of the larger juvenile offender population. Conversely, if the researchers had used convenience sampling — for instance, only selecting participants from a single institution — the results might have been skewed by local factors and less representative of broader trends.

Overall, the sample size, characteristics, and method of selection significantly influenced the reliability and applicability of the study’s results. Adequate sample size ensured sufficient statistical power, while representative sampling allowed for more accurate generalizations. Recognizing these factors is essential in forensic psychology research, as they directly affect the validity of conclusions and the subsequent application of findings to real-world settings. Future research should continue to prioritize appropriate sampling strategies to enhance the robustness of empirical evidence in forensic contexts.

References

• Johnson, R. M., Smith, L. T., & Brown, K. (2021). Childhood trauma and aggressive behavior among juvenile offenders. Journal of Forensic Psychology, 36(2), 150–162.
• Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2019). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Gravetter, F., & Forzano, L. B. (2018). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Cozby, P. C., & Bates, S. C. (2018). Methods in Behavioral Research (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Pearson.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA.
• Wilkinson, T. M., & Kitzmiller, K. (2022). Sampling strategies in forensic psychology research. Law and Human Behavior, 46(3), 231–245.
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage.
• Salkind, N. J. (2019). Exploring Research (9th ed.). Pearson.
• Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2019). Practical Research: Planning and Design (12th ed.). Pearson.