A critique of the research study in which you:
� Evaluate the purpose statement using the Purpose Statement Checklist as a guide
� Analyze alignment among the theory, research problem, and purpose
� Explain your position on the relationship between research and social change
GUN VIOLENCE, GANG ASSOCIATION AND YOUTH ASSOCIATION 2
Introduction
A purpose statement is a segment of the introductory portion of a study that summarizes
the research’s role and hints on what the research is about and how it achieved the purpose. The
purpose statement of the research calls for the introduction of measures to curb gun violence and
implement intervention programs where necessary to control gun violence. The statement
includes all the signaling words the research is about, that is, gun violence, gangs and the youth.
The statement is clear that the research is qualitative due to the mention of a small sample and
qualitative research techniques such as Poisson and logistic regression. The statement is framed
in a manner that is consistent with the purpose of the research as it demonstrates intend to
achieve a positive hypothesis on the dependent variables. The statement also indicates the
following;
Intent
The research intends to expose the influence of gangs and gun violence in various
neighborhoods in various parts of the United States on the inception of young boys and girls into
gangs. This is so as to encourage invention measures to end gun crime in America, which is
currently a major concern.
Participants and Research site
There are a hundred and sixty four participants in the research. However, the purpose
statement is not very clear about the sampling techniques used and the ratios between the
respondent categories. The statement also mentions the research site to be in middle schools in
South East Lost Angeles, California.
Variables used
The use of the sample data in the research as well the regression models provides a pre-
emptive analysis of the cases in Los Angeles. The distribution of the sample is ample to provide
a proper representation of the entire scope of research. However, the use of a sample of
predominantly Hispanic boys and girls is imminently circumstantial. This presents a significant
challenge to the research since communities in Black, Native American and Asian-American
communities may present different findings.
Theory Identified
The research demonstrates the confirmation of the Social Cognitive theory by Holt and
Chapman. The theory can be summarized as follows ‘portions of a person’s knowledge can be
acquired by directly observing the actions of other people and learning from them.’ Communal
issues such as neighborhood gang presence, gun presence and cases of gang violence often affect
the psychological response of children to gang violence (Decker, van Gemert & Pyrooz, 2009).
In some cases, the perception of these issues can discourage these children from aggressive
practices while in other cases; it can encourage them to join gangs where they feel like it is the
only way to survive such neighborhoods.
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Other factors such as level of education, nature of neighborhoods and existing legislation
are important aspects of this research that need to be included as well (Klein, 2007). It is
necessary to also ensure that the sample distributes aspects of distribution such as age groups,
family income and cognitive factors in the children. These issues present a clearer picture in
researches (Wolverton, 2009).
Data collection techniques
The interviews were used for qualitative data while the questionnaires presented a survey
sample for the quantitative data.
Conclusion
The purpose statement of the research by Forster, Grigsby, Unger & Sussman (2015)
demonstrates that mixed methods are used in the research. The statement presents an aspect of
quantitative analysis in the number of households with cases of violence as well as views from
different households; all Hispanic. Research on impact analysis and correlative data needs to be
very accurate and particular. However, there should be quantifiable and qualified data for use in
research that seeks to encourage policy changes and the adoption of new measures to change an
endemic issue (Grantham, 2009). The research by Forster, Grigsby, Unger & Sussman (2015)
does present relevant information on gang violence. However, this data is not sufficient to
encourage policy change.
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References
Decker, S. H., van Gemert, F., & Pyrooz, D. C. (2009). Gangs, migration, and crime: The
changing landscape in europe and the USA. Journal of International Migration and
Integration, 10(4), 393-408.
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,
Grantham, R. V. (2009). Wheelchair warrior: Gangs, disability, and basketball. Contemporary
Sociology, 38(2), 154-155.
Klein, M. W. (2007). Gangs in the global city: Alternatives to traditional criminology.
Contemporary Sociology, 36(5), 480-481.
McGloin, J. M. (2007). Studying youth gangs. Contemporary Sociology, 36(2), 171-172.
Wolverton, Marvin L,PhD., M.A.I. (2009). Research design, hypothesis testing, and sampling.
The Appraisal Journal, 77(4), 370-382.
