Thursday, October 10, 2019
Burglary Prevention Program Essay
Type of Research Design            The research is looking forward to adopt the Quantitative Tradition of research. The Quantitative Tradition of Research employs the method that is based on testing of theories. In addition, such also uses measurement of numbers and statistical analysis. The idea behind quantitative research is often to ascertain that a generalized theory or the prediction of a theory will be confirmed by using a statistical method. Initially, quantitative research starts with the hypothesis and the theories that require being tested (Benz and Newman, 1998). The approach of quantitative research includes the use of formal and generally recognized instruments. In most instances, quantitative research conducts studies with an underlying expectation that a consensus would be arrived at. As such, quantitative research usually aims to conclude a predictable generalization, and a causal explanation(Benz and Newman, 1998). Quantitative research also studies controlled and manipulated the participants on experiments and puts immense emphasis on deduction and analysis; as the goal of the aforementioned is to establish consensus by reducing data to numerical indications.  In effect of this, it could be significantly noted that the goal of quantitative research is the determination a given prediction, as the aforementioned seeks to know if certain generalizations could be verified or confirmed. In general, the quantitative methodology assumes that there is an objective reality which is independent of the person doing the research, it also takes the position that the subject of study can be done in an objective manner. The researcher must maintain independence from the research object. And the research is not expected to be value affected as the researcher must make sure that he or she does not become a part of the research (Benz and Newman, 1998) . The quantitative methodology tests cause and effect by using deductive logic. When done correctly a quantitative research will be able to predict, and explain the theory in question (Benz and Newman, 1998). Type of Sampling            Sampling is the process of identifying the respondents for a particular research in order to attain the data that is necessary for a particular study. Such is also relevant in order to avoid the difficulty of administering the survey on an entire population (Ghauri et al, 1995).   According to Aaker et al (1995) research should cater to a target population that has all the necessary information for the research such as sampling elements, sampling units, and area of coverage.            The research is looking forward to adopt a Cluster Sampling procedure from a number of participants from various police departments who have adopted the burglary prevention that is similar to the Burglary Prevention Program employed by the chief of police in the author’s respective state. Cluster sampling is the process wherein the respondents are chosen in clusters such as police departments in various cities and/or states using the same burglary prevention and the likes. This type of sampling is advantageous to save traveling time and cist reduction. It is also convenient in order to find a good number of participants who since the aforementioned are grouped into clusters (Ghauri et al, 2000). Units of Sampling to be Employed            Determining the sample size for the survey is very relevant because much of the validity of the quantitative data of the research rests upon it. For the purpose of this part of the research, the research will be focusing on the sample size’s confidence interval and confidence level.            The confidence interval is the plus-or-minus figure that determined the confidence results of a particular study. For the purpose of this research, the projected confidence interval is plus or minus 1.75 on a 95% confidence level and a 120 population size.            On the other hand, the confidence level tells the percentage on how the results of the study could be sure. Often times, the confidence level is expressed in percentage and tells how frequently the population on the study would pick an answer that is within the confidence interval. For the purpose of this study, the author used the 95% confidence level which is most used confidence level among researches (Benz and Newman, 1998).            As such, in analyzing the data for the survey, the research will have to look into a 95% confidence with a plus or minus 1.75 intervals. The wider that the confidence level that the research has to work on, the more certain as well that the population response would be more or less within that range.            For the purpose of the research, the following formula will be used for the Sample Size (Benz and Newman, 1998). ss = z2 * (p) * (1-p) _________________ c2 Where as: ss= the minimum sample size z = z value (e.g. 1.96 for 95% confidence level) p = percentage picking a choice, expressed as decimal (.5 used for sample size needed) c = confidence interval, expressed as decimal (e.g., .04 =  ±4) There are three major factors that would affect the confidence intervals, these are the sample size, percentage and the population size.            A huge sample size would make the results of the research mirror exactly that of the population. This implies that a for every confidence level, a huge sample size reflects a more small confidence interval. Albeit it should be noted that the relationship between them is not linear that if one would double the sample size, such would also make the confidence interval go up (Benz and Newman, 1998).            The percentage of a particular response from the survey also is a determinant for accuracy. For instance if a particular response says 51%, therefore it implies that there is a 49% chance of the responses being erroneous. However if the response rates reveal a 99% positive response versus a 1% negative response, there would be no significant difference at all (Benz and Newman, 1998).            The population size also matters when one is studying a segment of population that is relatively small such as those from the specific hotels being studied. On the other hand, if a research would be conducting a study from a very huge population, like for instance 500,000 or more, the size of the sample a sample size that is close to that exact number does not appear to be that relevant (Benz and Newman, 1998). Reliability and Validity            The study’s reliability and validity go hand in hand as patterns of measurement depend on both the dependent and independent variables (Zikmund, 1994). Reliability primarily focuses on the internal consistency and the repeatability of the variables within the research. On the other hand, validity centers on the correctness and appropriateness of the question that one intends to measure (Ghauri et al, 1995). According to Chisnall (1997), validity is generally considered and established through the relationship of the instrument to the content, criterion or construct that it attempts to measure. A lack of validity can lead to incorrect conclusion. Analysis of Data            For the purpose of the survey, the data that will be gathered will be analyzed using the SPSS Software. SPSS (Statistical Products and Service Solutions) is a powerful, easy to use statistical package designed in a Windows environment, which enabled researchers to tap into various options of interpreting data (Griego and Morgan, 2000, p. 2). SPSS has been viewed as the premiere statistical software that are primarily being used to interpret quantitative research results due to its ease of use, technical support, ease of installation, scope of capabilities, user interface, graphical components, and so forth (Hilbe, 2005, p. 68).  Independent and Dependent Variables Independent Variable            The independent variable is the causal factor that shapes or determines the dependent variable. This type of variable is subjected to arbitrary change that is necessary in order to test the results of a particular test (Crown, 1998). The independent variable for this research is the effectiveness of the Burglary Prevention Program. Dependent Variables            Dependent variables are is a variable that depends on the independent variable for change. It is also known as the criterion variable (Crown, 1998). The dependent variables of the research are risk management strategies employed by a particular department such as proper identification of criminal vulnerability areas, use of effective detection alarms, and employee training. Data Collection The researcher will collect data based on primary and secondary methods. Secondary Data Collection            Ghaury et al (1995) emphasized the importance of secondary data collection most especially through desk or library research. The review of related literature provided a scholarly perspective on the subject matter and at the same time made the researcher aware of both previous and contemporary research on the subject matter.            The data collection for secondary sources will be lifted from Questia Media America, an on-line Research Library and EBSCO Host with a special emphasis on literatures from London. Primary Data Collection            For the primary data collection, the researcher will be focusing on getting the data that are exactly needed for the research. With prior consideration on the objectives and the literature that will be collected by the researcher, a seven-point survey will be formulated. Surveys         The primary data that the research will use will be lifted based on distributing the questionnaires and survey forms through snail mail, e-mail, telephone conversation and personal interactions.            According to Ritchie & Goeldner (1994) the process of telephone interview or survey for that matter includes conversing with an interviewee through the use of a telephone, rather than do it in person. In some ways, it could be said that a telephone survey is more preferred than a personal survey because it is relatively faster and could have prevented administrative problems. In addition with these, telephone surveys are relatively more cost effective and have the capability to reach those individuals that could not be reached locally. Although this method appears to be very cost effective, it also proved to be impersonal in nature. One major reason is the interviewer’s failure to see the exact reaction of the respondents on certain questions. .            On the other hand, Chisnall (1997) said that the process of mailing questionnaires include the use of mailing a set of questions to a certain sample population. Such a method could be said to be also relatively cheaper and assures anonymity and confidentiality. Such a method is also preferred when the respondents for the study are located in various locations and a phone interview appears to be not possible. Also, a mailed questionnaire could allow the respondents answer to the questions at their convenience; albeit, it could be significantly noted that it has also been perceived that there is a relatively low response rate on questionnaires. It is said by Chisnall (1977) that a 30% return of questionnaires is already relevant. In addition with this, it could be possible that the respondents might not have understood the questions in the survey form, and a discrepancy could also show in the results. Finally, similar to telephone interviews, the interviewer could also not see the body languages of the interviewee. Justification of the Selected Method            For the purpose of this research, the author will be conducting a pen and paper measurement survey that was sent via e-mail, mail, and personal administered basis. The respondents need to answer question based on a Likert Type Scale which ranks responses in seven different levels: Highly Agree, Agree, Somewhat Agree, Neutral, Somewhat Disagree, Disagree, Highly Disagree and Not Applicable. Whenever applicable, the questionnaires will be asked to be answered on a personal basis in order to avoid errors and discrepancy on the results.            The self-administered questionnaires offered a higher response rate and are also relatively cost effective (Bryman, 1992). Foremost of its advantage rests on the notion that the process of data gathering could be more personal and also the researcher could have clarify certain notions that could be unclear on the survey form. However, one distinct disadvantage of such a method is the difficulty of administrating the survey to multiple respondents all at the same time. In addition, the self-administered data gathering could be very time consuming as well.            Due to the time constraints and the monetary concerns that the research might post, the author perceived that it would be more effective for the survey to be administered on a personal or electronic basis, such as the e-mail. Whenever applicable, questionnaires will be also mailed. Questionnaire Design The questionnaire will be made in a manner that will promote a detailed, precise and logical construction of close-ended question. In addition with this, the questions will also be made in accordance with the hypotheses and the objectives of the research (Oppenheim, 1992).            The questions will be formulated using a 7-Point Likert Type Scale and will be Close-Ended in Nature. Such is relevant so that respondents would only have to encircle the designated number of their corresponding responses (Oppenhein, 1992). In addition with this, close-ended questions are very easy to answer and could enable the researcher create a summated value that could be use for data analysis. Ethical Considerations in Research            To be ethical is to conform to accepted professional practices (Bailey, 1994, p. 454). Utmost on the ethical considerations that this research will focus on is the notion of Informed Consent. Informed consent is the process wherein respondents are made fully aware of the purpose of the study, possible dangers, and also the credentials of the researchers. As such, in doing a survey, it is often the case that there is an introductory statement that will accompany the said questionnaire. The aforementioned are relevant in order to induce individuals to participate in a study in a voluntary manner. For the purpose of the study, the researcher will be providing the respondents with an introductory statement that will accompany their questionnaire.  After reading such, the probable respondents will decide if they wanted to participate in the study or not. This is very important in order to prevent duress and probable respondents would participate in the study on their own free will.            It has also been pointed out by Bailey (1994) that sampling could also pose some issues in research as they could have pose privacy issues. It could be the case that on the course of primary data gathering upon 120 respondents in various police departments, and the respondents felt that there are a number of questions that appears to be invading their privacy, then it could be the case that such an issue could pose a problem in terms of not only the ethical considerations among the respondents but also the validity of the data to gathered as respondents may not choose to answer truthfully such an answer. In the nature of this research, the issue would be a matter of program effectiveness on burglary security. As such, the research would be cautious to questions that would require respondents to reveal personal information and also specific experiences that could place the respondent in a disposition of inconvenience.  As such it is also then part of the proposed methodology for the study , the anonymity of the respondents. The responses of the participants will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of the study.   References Aaker, D. A. and Day G. S. 1990. Marketing Research, 4ed. Singapore: John Wiley & Sons. Bailey K. 1994, Methods of Social Research. New York, New York: The Free Press. Benz C. and Newman I, 1998. Qualitative-Quantitative Research Methodology: Exploring the Interactive Continuum. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press. Chisnall P. M., 1997. Marketing Research, 5ed., Berkshire: McGraw-Hill. Crown W. 1998. Statistical Models for the Social and Behavioral Sciences Multiple Regression and Limited-Dependent Variable Models. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers. Ghauri, P., Gronhaug, K. and Kristianslund, I., 1995. Research Methods In Business Griego O. and Morgan G. (2000). SPSS for Windows: An Introduction to Use and Interpretation in Research. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Studies: A Practical Guide. Great Britain: Prentice Hall. Hilbe J. , 2005. A Review of SPSS 12.01, Part 2. The American Statistician 58 (2), pp. Oppenhein, A. N,, 1992. Questionnaire Design Interviewing and Attitude Measurement. London: Pinter. Ritchie B. and Goeldner C. R., 1994. Travel, Tourism and Hotel Researcher. New York: Wiley and Sons, Inc. Zikmund, G. W., 1994. Exploring Marketing Research. Dryden
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