Instructions This Week: Submit Your Theoretical Framework

Instructionsthis Week You Will Submit Your Theoretical Framework The

This week you will submit your theoretical framework. Theoretical Framework/Approach: The theoretical framework section develops the theories or models to be used in the study and shows how the student has developed testable research hypotheses. This section should include: an introduction discussing gaps in the literature, how this study will help fill some of those gaps, and justification for the theory or model to be used in study; a summary of the theory or model to be used in the study, including a diagram of the model if appropriate; and a statement of hypotheses to be tested. The length of this section can vary significantly.

If you are using a socioeconomic theory to explain human trafficking, then this section would be shorter than if you were developing your own model. Within the lessons overview folder there are examples of five different frameworks recently used by graduate students. Technical Requirements At least 6 pages for the Theoretical section Scholarly and credible references should be used. A good rule of thumb is at least 2 scholarly sources per page of content. Type in Times New Roman, 12 point and double space.

Students will follow the current APA Style as the sole citation and reference style used in written work submitted as part of coursework. Points will be deducted for the use of Wikipedia or encyclopedic type sources. It is highly advised to utilize books, peer-reviewed journals, articles, archived documents, etc. All submissions will be graded using the assignment rubric. Theoretical Framework Comment by Chris Martinez: A theoretical framework consists of concepts, together with their definitions, and existing theory/theories that are used for your particular study.

The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your research paper and that will relate it to the broader fields of knowledge in the class you are taking. The theoretical framework is not something that is found readily available in the literature. You must review course readings and pertinent research literature for theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power. The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways.

An explicit statement of theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them critically. The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods. Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address questions of why and how. It permits you to move from simply describing a phenomenon observed to generalizing about various aspects of that phenomenon.

Having a theory helps you to identify the limits to those generalizations. A theoretical framework specifies which key variables influence a phenomenon of interest. It alerts you to examine how those key variables might differ and under what circumstances. Considering the nature of this study’s problem that needs to be solved, the study will use the strain theory. Cambridge dictionary defines strain as a force that compels someone to do something (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d).

According to Agnew (1999), the tenets of strain theory best explain religious radicalization as a form of domestic terrorism because they explain why individuals opt to join radicalization programs. Proponents of the strain theory purport that people commit crimes because they experience strain (a point) that upsets them, causing a rebellion. Agnew (1999) researched and expanded on the earlier version of the strain theory. He found that strain could explain the differences in severe crimes between various communities. He added to forms of strain that could culminate into rebellion or crimes.

Indeed, the tenets of strain theory connect with concepts infused in the study of radicalization. A study done by Agnew (1999) concluded that many innocent people, especially the youths, join radical religious groups because they lack something in life that can be equated to strain in life. One category of strain prevents people from achieving their valued goals, while the second category takes away things people value (Agnew, 1999). Some strain causes are poor health conditions since they block individuals' pathways towards some goals (Stogner & Gibson, 2010). Strain may result from the want of money, respect, power, and autonomy (Merton, n.d).

Strain theory is relevant in studying radicalization and domestic terrorism because it explains some of the strain factors people face, similar to why people join radicalized groups or opt for radicalization and get involved in domestic violence. Comment by Chris Martinez: theory Comment by Chris Martinez: how will you tie in this theory with your research topic and why? According to the study done by Jones (2022, March 7), existing studies have tackled the issue of domestic terrorism radicalization in different ways. Some believe that domestic terrorism results from interactions with the terrorists through various media. In contrast, others believe that terrorism results from psychosocial trauma and complicated social relations compel the victims to join and undertake terrorism activities (Jones, 2022, March 7).

Religious radicalization is one way through which people are made to become terrorists. Radicalized youths, especially Muslims, believe that killing other people will be forgiven and rewarded. Islamic extremism, the most common form of religious terrorism, is influenced by Quran extreme interpretations (Venkatraman, 2007). These are some ways that enhance strain among the radicalized youth and push them to commit terror crimes in their countries. The strain theory will help understand how various themes impact domestic terrorism in the United States.

Some issues to consider are the foreign policies, government interference into internal matters in other countries, and social pressures towards specific groups, which prompt rebellion. Comment by Chris Martinez: By? Comment by Chris Martinez: Who? Comment by Chris Martinez: Follow APA 7th edition or your university graduate template on sub headings Reference List Comment by Chris Martinez: You have 4 of 5 peered reviewed journal articles on this list this is a good start...strive for 80 percent. Also, each reference needs to be cited in the document or removed.

Continue to add references exponentially as your research grows…heavily cite your document while synthesizing what others have said. Look at APA 7th edition…remove the word “list” and replace with appropriate references in proper format. Add more scholarly sources, ensure in-text citations match the references, and adhere to APA 7th edition guidelines for the reference list. Use credible sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, and authoritative reports to strengthen your theoretical framework.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of a robust theoretical framework is a critical component of scholarly research, providing a foundation for understanding the research problem, guiding data collection and analysis, and framing hypotheses for testing. When investigating complex social phenomena such as religious radicalization and domestic terrorism, the choice of an appropriate theoretical lens is paramount. In this paper, I will outline the application of strain theory as the guiding framework for examining the drivers behind radicalization, particularly within the context of religious extremism in the United States. This theoretical approach is well-suited to explore the underlying socio-psychological and structural factors that compel individuals towards extremist behaviors, offering insights into the causal mechanisms and potential avenues for intervention.

Despite advancements in understanding terrorism, significant gaps remain in explaining why specific individuals or groups resort to radicalization. The existing literature shows a multifaceted picture, with influences ranging from social, economic, political, and psychological factors. For example, Jones (2022) notes that terrorist motivations can stem from media influences, social trauma, or ideological indoctrination, but these explanations often lack a unifying theoretical framework. Strain theory, originally formulated by Merton (1938) and later expanded by Agnew (1999), provides a comprehensive lens that links structural disadvantages and social frustrations to deviant and extremist behaviors. This approach emphasizes the role of socio-economic disparities, marginalization, and blocked opportunities as key sources of strain, which may push individuals toward radical pathways.

Applying strain theory to religious radicalization, especially among youths, offers important insights. Agnew’s (1999) general strain theory suggests that feelings of frustration resulting from the inability to achieve valued goals or the removal of valued possessions contribute to aggressive and extremist responses. For radicalized youths, these strains may originate from social exclusion, discrimination, or economic deprivation—factors that often disproportionately affect minority communities and marginalized groups (Rink & Sharma, 2016). Consequently, individuals experiencing these strains may seek belonging, purpose, or empowerment within extremist groups that promise a sense of identity and resolve their frustrations (Venkatraman, 2007).

Empirical research supports this connection. For instance, Stogner and Gibson (2010) highlight that health issues and social stressors can act as forms of strain leading to antisocial behaviors. Similarly, Merton’s (n.d.) adaptation of his original strain theory underscores the importance of blocked opportunities and social strain as precursors to criminal and violent acts. When individuals perceive their circumstances as unfair or oppressive, they may rationalize participation in radical activities as a form of rebellion against societal injustice.

Furthermore, strain theory elucidates the motivations of individuals involved in domestic terrorism, which is often rooted in perceived social and political injustices. Jones (2022) emphasizes that social trauma, media influence, and ideological exposure contribute to a sense of unfairness and grievance. These feelings of injustice and marginalization can catalyze radicalization, especially when reinforced by community and online networks (Rogers et al., 2007). In the context of Islamic extremism, for example, extremist interpretations of the Quran may serve as justification for violent responses to perceived oppression or injustice experienced or perceived by Muslim communities (Venkatraman, 2007).

The integration of strain theory into the study of domestic terrorism offers several advantages. It provides a systematic mechanism for examining the interplay between social disadvantages, personal frustrations, and extremist behaviors. Moreover, it guides research to investigate specific variables such as socio-economic status, perceived discrimination, social exclusion, and access to radical networks. Recognizing these factors aligns with the broader goal of developing preventative strategies targeted at alleviating sources of strain before they escalate into violence.

In conclusion, strain theory offers a compelling and empirically grounded framework for understanding religious radicalization and domestic terrorism in the United States. Its focus on social inequalities and frustrations aligns with current dangers faced by marginalized communities susceptible to radical influences. Future research should further operationalize the variables of strain and examine their relative impact across different demographic groups. By doing so, scholars can refine intervention strategies and contribute to reducing radicalization pathways driven by socio-structural pressures.

References

• Agnew, R. (1999). A general strain theory of community differences in crime rates. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 36(2), 123–155.
• Jones, S. G. (2022, March 7). The escalating terrorism problem in the United States. Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org
• Merton, R. K. (n.d.). Crime causation: Sociological theories - strain theory. JRank Articles. Retrieved from https://jrank.org
• Rink, A., & Sharma, K. (2016). The determinants of religious radicalization. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 62(6), 1229–1261.
• Rogers, M. B., Loewenthal, K. M., Lewis, C. A., Amlà´t, R., Cinnirella, M., & Ansari, H. (2007). The role of religious fundamentalism in terrorist violence: A social psychological analysis. International Review of Psychiatry, 19(3), 253–262.
• Stogner, J., & Gibson, C. L. (2010). Healthy, wealthy, and wise: Incorporating health issues as a source of strain in Agnew's general strain theory. Journal of Criminal Justice, 38(6), 1150–1159.
• Venkatraman, A. (2007). Religious basis for Islamic terrorism: The Quran and its interpretations. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 30(3), 229–248.
• Wright, J. D. (2016). Why is contemporary religious terrorism predominantly linked to Islam? Four possible psychosocial factors. Perspectives on Terrorism, 10(1), 19–31.
• Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Strain. In Cambridge Dictionary online. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org
• Additional scholarly sources should continue to expand this framework, contributing cutting-edge research on the social dynamics of radicalization and domestic terrorism.