The Purpose Of This Project Is To Apply The Knowledge Gained ✓ Solved

The purpose of this project is to apply the knowledge gained

The purpose of this project is to apply the knowledge gained throughout the semester to the analysis of a research article. This project will involve the analysis of “DOES CONTACT WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM DETER OR PROMOTE FUTURE DELINQUENCY? RESULTS FROM A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF BRITISH ADOLESCENT TWINS” by Ryan T. Motz et al. in Criminology, May 2020; volume 58 issue 2. Must answer all 10 questions. Must be 6 or more pages. APA format, 12 Font, double spaced. The assignment components are outlined below:

1. What is the hypothesis of the research?
2. List and operationalize all independent and dependent variables examined.
3. What method of data collection was used and the sample examined?
4. Discuss the prior literature reviewed and its relevance to the research problem. Do you believe the literature review is an adequate representation of all relevant studies?
5. What do the findings suggest?
6. Can this research be generalized? Why or why not?
7. How well do you believe the research design chosen was suited to the research question?
8. How clearly was the data presented and discussed? Do you believe the results are substantively important?
9. What additional questions or hypotheses are suggested by the study's results?
10. What are some of the potential drawbacks of this research?

NB: The assignment calls for an analysis of the article. The assignment components outlined above are just a guide for analyzing research articles.

Paper For Above Instructions

The study conducted by Motz et al. (2020) explores the hypothesis that contact with the justice system, whether through arrest, conviction, or other legal interactions, may ultimately deter or promote future delinquency among adolescents. Central to this hypothesis is the question of whether facing legal repercussions serves as a deterrent by discouraging future criminal behavior or conversely stimulates further delinquent actions, as individuals adapt to the stigma of criminality.

In their research, the authors operationalize several independent and dependent variables. The independent variables include types of contact with the justice system, such as arrests and convictions, while the dependent variable is the rate of future delinquency, measured through self-reports and official records of criminal behavior. These definitions allow for clear and consistent measurement throughout the study.

The method of data collection involved a longitudinal study design, tracking a sample of British adolescent twins over several years. This approach is advantageous as it controls for genetic and environmental factors shared by twins, offering a unique perspective on the impact of justice system contact on delinquency. As the authors utilized both quantitative data and qualitative insights through interviews, the methodology is comprehensive, capturing the complexity of decisions made by adolescents in relation to the justice system.

Prior literature reviewed in this research includes a variety of studies examining the consequences of juvenile justice interventions and their effects on future criminal behavior. Motz et al. (2020) contend that existing literature provides mixed results, with some studies indicating deterrent effects while others suggest that involvement in the justice system can legitimize delinquent behavior. The literature review presented appears thorough, addressing notable studies while also highlighting gaps in the existing research that necessitate further inquiry.

The findings suggest a nuanced outcome: contact with the justice system does not have a straightforward deterrent effect on future delinquency. Instead, the results indicate that for certain individuals, especially those who have encountered the justice system multiple times, further delinquency may occur. This adds complexity to understanding how legal repercussions impact youth behavior and indicates the need for tailored interventions addressing varying contexts and individual circumstances.

As for generalizability, while the study provides valuable insights, caution is warranted. The sample is limited to British adolescent twins, which may not fully represent broader populations. Additionally, cultural and contextual differences in the criminal justice system may influence outcomes differently in other regions or among diverse populations.

The research design is well-suited to the research question as it allows for the examination of long-term effects and patterns across a controlled demographic. The longitudinal aspect enhances the validity of the findings by establishing temporality in relationships between justice system contact and subsequent delinquency.

The clarity of data presentation is commendable; numerous tables and figures illustrate trends effectively, and the discussion contextualizes findings within previous research succinctly. The results are indeed substantively important, as they challenge prevailing notions of deterrence and highlight the need for more nuanced policies addressing youth delinquency.

Further questions arising from this study include inquiries into the role of socio-economic background, mental health, and peer influence on the relationship between justice contact and delinquent behavior. These factors could provide a deeper understanding and inform more effective interventions.

Lastly, notable drawbacks of the research include the reliance on self-reported data, which can be susceptible to biases or inaccuracies, and the limited sample scope, which hinders broader extrapolation of findings. Future research might benefit from incorporating diverse populations and longitudinal approaches across different geographical and cultural contexts.

References

• Motz, R. T., et al. (2020). Does contact with the justice system deter or promote future delinquency? Results from a longitudinal study of British adolescent twins. Criminology, 58(2).
• Farrington, D. P. (2013). Key results from the Cambridge study in delinquent development. In Developmental Criminology and its Discontents. Streets of the Future Press.
• Graham, J., & Bowling, B. (1995). Young people and crime. Home Office Research Study 145. London: Home Office.
• Farrington, D. P., & Welsh, B. C. (2007). Saving children from a life of crime: Early risk factors and effective interventions. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 18(2), 124-142.
• Khambalia, A., & Van Laerhoven, E. (2018). The effect of criminal justice contact on recidivism: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Criminal Justice, 55, 53-64.
• Steiner, B. & R. L. D. A. (2016). The impact of juvenile justice processing on future offending. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 14(3), 246-264.
• Smith, D. J. (2003). Time to crime: An overview of the temporal pattern of crime commission among juveniles. Journal of Youth Studies, 6(1), 69-90.
• D’Angelo, B., & Petrosino, A. (2017). A meta-analysis of juvenile recidivism: The role of risk assessments and family dynamics. The Campbell Collaboration.
• Piquero, A. R., & Blumstein, A. (2007). The criminal career paradigm. In Advancing Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy. New York: Taylor & Francis.
• Walmsley, R. (2018). World prison population list. Institute for Criminal Policy Research.