Evaluate the Author’s use of Literature
Discussion: Critique of Research Study
Article: Associations between Gun Violence Exposure, Gang Associations, and Youth Aggression: Implications for Prevention and Intervention Programs
Authors: Myriam Forster, Timothy J. Grigsby, Jennifer B. Unger, and Steve Sussman
Evaluate the author’s use of literature
The authors used a variety of literature to support the work. As referenced throughout the writing, citations were paraphrased and few if any direct quotes were included. The date of resources contained in the study range from 1966 to 2012. The most dated resources being included in the introduction portion of the study. The need and purpose for the study is stated. Likewise, the problem is also stated. I had to read the article several times in order to identify the exact problem. However, the author did state the problem clearly in the abstract. This concept follows Babbie’s (2017) guide that “researchers willingly give away the punchline in the abstract” (pp. 449). Finally, authors did not include a critique of the literature. However, they did an excellent job of noting the sample and population involved in completing the study.
Evaluate the Research Problem
The problem is identified that leads to the need for the study. Content associated within the article expresses a need to analyze the effects of violence exposure on adolescent youth (Forster et al., 2015). A rationale is clearly stated and the problem is framed in a way that is consistent with the research approach by using cross sectional data (Forster et al., 2015). However, not all cited references are current.
Explain what it means for a research study to be justified and grounded in the literature, then explain what it means for a problem to be original.
According to Butin (2010), a quality dissertation is “nontrivial” and “must be able to answer the ‘so what’ question of relevance” (pp.14). Therefore in order for a research study to be justified and grounded in the literature, authors must first select recent resources no more than 5 years old. This will allow for the most updated information to be included and referenced in the study. Likewise, additional methods such as selecting reputable sources, referencing these sources and writing with integrity will also justify and ground the study in literature.
A problem is original if it can contribute to the field. The problem may positively impact the field if it is justified, validated by literature, is able to close a gap in literature and may be studied by using a scientific research method.
Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning
Butin, D. W. (2010). The education dissertation: A guide for practitioner scholars. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Forster, M., Grigsby, T. J., Unger, J. B., & Sussman, S. (2015). Associations between gun violence exposure, gang associations, and youth aggression: Implications for prevention and intervention programs. Journal of Criminology. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/963750
