If nothing else, research is a systematic process that demands the observers be meticulously objective about the steps taken. The process ensures that the researcher is able to conclude with an accurate assessment of the answers to the proposed questions in a manner that is replicable. Each step logically follows the preceding one. It is also pertinent that researchers remain open to and seek peer feedback, as all research falls victim to limitations. Therefore, this assignment allows us to examine the foundation of our research while simultaneously receiving feedback from fellow classmates.

In this practice area, share at least two operationalized variables or survey questions you plan to include in your research proposal. Your Instructor may also share exemplars or problematic definitions/survey items for you to examine and critique.

Learning Resources
Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings
 Mays, G. L., & Ruddell, R. (2015). Making sense of criminal justice: Policies and practices (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 

Chapter 15, "Making Sense of Criminal Justice—Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," pp. 309–330

Making sense of criminal justice: Policies and practices, 2nd.Ed. by Mays, L. M., & Ruddell, R. Copyright 2015 by Oxford University Press. ?Reprinted by permission of Oxford University Press via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 Bachman, R. D., & Schutt, R. K. (2018).?Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal justice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.?? 

Chapter 2, “The Process and Problems of Criminological Research” pp. 24–45

Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4th.Ed. by Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K.?Copyright 2018 by Sage College. ?Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 Bachman, R. D., & Schutt, R. K. (2018).?Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal justice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.?? 

Chapter 4, “Conceptualization and Measurement” pp. 70–92 

Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4th.Ed. by Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K.?Copyright 2018 by Sage College. ?Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 Bachman, R. D., & Schutt, R. K. (2018).?Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal justice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.?? 

Chapter 5, “Sampling” pp. 70–92 

Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4th.Ed. by Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K.?Copyright 2018 by Sage College. ?Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 Bachman, R. D., & Schutt, R. K. (2018).?Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal justice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.?? 

Chapter 7, Survey Research” pp. 153–184

Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4th.Ed. by Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K.?Copyright 2018 by Sage College. ?Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 Bachman, R. D., & Schutt, R. K. (2018).?Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal justice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.?? 

Chapter 9, “Analyzing Content Secondary Data Analysis, Comparative Methods, Content Analysis, Crime Mapping, and Big Data” pp. 225–248

Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4th.Ed. by Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K.?Copyright 2018 by Sage College. ?Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 Bachman, R. D., & Schutt, R. K. (2018).?Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal justice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.?? 

Chapter 11, “Mixing and Comparing Methods” 273–291

Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice, 4th.Ed. by Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K.?Copyright 2018 by Sage College. ?Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 Lee, M., & Belohlav, K. (2014). Communicating research to policymakers: Researchers’ experiences. Retrieved from http://www.prb.org/pdf14/poppov-communicating-research-brief.pdf

 Martin, W. E., & Bridgmon, K. D. (2012). Quantitative and statistical research methods: From hypothesis to results. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/waldenu/detail.action?docID=843632

Chapter 4, “Research and Statistical Designs,” pp. 53–76

Retrieved from the Walden University Library.

 Miller, J. M., & Miller, H. V. (2015). Rethinking program fidelity for criminal justice. Criminology & Public Policy, 14(2), 339–349.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., & DeVault, M. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/waldenu/detail.action?docID=4038514

Chapter 2, “Research Design and Pre-Fieldwork,” pp. 29–53

Retrieved from the Walden University Library.

 Document: Venn Diagram Template (Powerpoint Presentation)

 Document: Research_Proposal_Template (Word Document)