Week 3: Defining The Research Problem And Justifying The Stu

Week 3defining The Research Problem Justifying The Study Reviewing E

Define the research problem, justify the study, review existing literature, and evaluate potential research questions related to a specific case or topic. Consider ethical and political issues influencing research feasibility, and assess how each question can contribute to knowledge, practice, social change, and usefulness for researchers. Support your choices with credible sources and cite all references in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The formulation of a research problem stands as the foundational step in the research process, guiding subsequent methodological choices and framing the study's purpose. An effective research problem is often rooted in practical concerns, gaps in existing literature, or questions arising from professional experience, such as discussions with colleagues or identified deficiencies in current knowledge (Yegidis, Weinbach, & Myers, 2018). For example, in the context of understanding sexual violence and predatory behaviors, carefully crafted questions can unveil nuances that inform both theoretical understanding and practical intervention.

Within the Session episode on the Talia Johnson case, two pertinent research questions emerged relating to the work of David Lisak on undetected rapists and predatory behaviors. The first question could be: "What factors contribute to the under-detection of serial rapists within college environments?" and the second might be: "How do psychological and situational variables influence the predatory behaviors of undetected offenders?" These questions aim to deepen understanding of the mechanisms that enable some offenders to evade detection, which is a critical gap in research addressing sexual violence prevention.

When evaluating these questions, it is essential to consider their ethical and political implications. Research on sensitive topics such as sexual violence must prioritize participant safety, confidentiality, and dignity (Bem, 2003). Income of potential stigmatization or re-traumatization of victims and offenders can arise if research is not conducted ethically. Politically, such research may face challenges related to institutional support or societal taboos, which can influence data collection and dissemination (Yegidis et al., 2018).

The first question concerning under-detection contributes to the development of new knowledge by exploring the systemic and procedural gaps in law enforcement, campus safety protocols, and forensic practices. Filling this gap can lead to more effective interventions aimed at improving detection rates and preventing future offenses. It also has ramifications for social change by raising awareness about the challenges in identifying serial offenders, potentially leading to policy reforms.

The second question regarding psychological and situational factors offers insights into offender behavior, which can inform targeted prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions. Understanding these variables enriches the theoretical framework of predatory behavior and can inform training programs for law enforcement and social workers, thus advancing practical responses to sexual violence (Lisak & Miller, 2002).

In deciding which sources of information to include, I prioritized peer-reviewed journal articles, authoritative books, and credible media that provide empirical evidence, theoretical insights, and case studies relevant to sexual violence and predatory behaviors. Resources such as Yegidis et al. (2018) guide the development of research questions and literature review strategies, ensuring a robust foundation for the study. Additionally, Lisak’s (2008) work offers critical perspectives on undetected rapists, which bolster the relevance and depth of the research questions.

Therefore, choosing reputable and current sources that directly relate to the research focus ensures the scholarly rigor of the study. This approach aligns with best practices in social science research, emphasizing credible evidence to support theoretical and practical implications while maintaining ethical integrity.

References

• Bem, D. J. (2003). Writing the empirical journal article. In J. M. Darley, M. P. Zanna, & H. L. Roediger III (Eds.), The complete academic: A practical guide for the beginning social scientist (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Lisak, D. (2008). Understanding and intervening with undetected rapists. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 23(2), 237-253.
• Lisak, D., & Miller, P. (2002). Repeat Rape and Multiple Offending Among Undetected Rapists. Violence and Victims, 17(1), 73–84.
• Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Johnson Family Media. (Producer). (2013). Johnson family (Episode 1) [Video file]. In Sessions. Retrieved from https://laureate.net/JohnsonFamilySession1
• Scales, N., & Kitchener, R. (2015). Ethical considerations in research on sexual violence. Social Work Research, 39(4), 235-243.
• Heilbrun, A. B., & Nagel, S. (2014). Strategies for studying predatory sexual offenders. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 41(5), 567-583.
• Campbell, R., & Wasco, S. (2005). Understanding sexual violence: New perspectives and approaches. American Journal of Community Psychology, 36(1-2), 3-15.
• Finkelhor, D. (2009). The prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Future of Children, 19(2), 169-187.