Expert answer:Criminal Justice CAPSTONE
Solved by verified expert:You are required to write a capstone paper for this course. A capstone paper is exactly what it sounds like. It is a paper that will encapsulate all that you have learned as a Criminal Justice major. This paper must be a minimum of 25 pages in length: NO EXCEPTION! Papers can be longer, but if you are approaching the 30-page mark, then you need to narrow the scope of your paper. The paper must be typed, double spaced in 12-point font. A title page with your name on it must be included. An abstract and a full reference page must also be provided in your paper. This paper must adhere to APA format, including citations. An example of this format will be provided to you in class.
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This senior capstone course is designed to provide graduating criminal justice students
with information about careers. In doing so, criminal justice students are given the
opportunity to: (1) learn and explore various careers; (2) learn how to apply effectively for
criminal justice positions; (3) learn about your own personality traits and how they fit with
careers in criminal justice; (4) polish overall professional skills; and (5) learn some life
skills that are beneficial for career development. Additionally, students will create an
original, scholarly work synthesizing criminal justice theories, methodology and systems
and apply same to a current issue in the field demonstrating substantial knowledge of the
student’s criminal justice studies and or concentration outcomes.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the term students will be able to do the following:
1. Formulate a research project proposal that demonstrates student’s ability to
effectively compose an undergraduate criminal justice capstone research project by
constructing a thesis, analyzing the relationship of the thesis to the student’s
concentration outcomes and selecting appropriate scholarly resources in support of
the thesis.
2. Assess critically project proposals and provide constructive feedback to peers in a
group setting and revise own proposal based on peer review and professor
feedback.
3. Evaluate a current issue in the field of criminal justice synthesizing criminal justice
theories, methodology and systems while demonstrating mastery of the
concentration outcomes.
4. Demonstrate writing proficiencies appropriate to the senior college level.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating with peers in a group setting.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This class endeavors to bring some reality and connection to the courses the student has
taken as he or she has progressed to this point, about to graduate with a degree in
criminal justice. This class has two major goals: first, to review in a minor way the
subsystems within the criminal justice field; and to assist the student in developing a
mental connection between the classes the student has taken. The second goal is to
acquaint the student with a pool of information that will assist him or her in obtaining
employment within a criminal justice agency or entering a graduate program of criminal
justice. To an extent, this course endeavors to contribute to the individual development,
professional growth, and the success of entering the job market.
Stated in another way, in order to accomplish the above goals, this class will emphasize:
1. A review of the focus of criminal justice
2. Improve students’ ability to speak, communicate orally while thinking critically
3. Students will practice writing skills while thinking critically
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4. Prepare students to participate in the job market in the searching and securing of a
professional position/career in the criminal justice field
After accomplishing the above goals, Students’ Learning Outcomes may be expressed
in this manner:
1. Students will be able to orally and in written form describe the three components of the
criminal justice system
2. Student will understand the importance of being able to speak intelligently about the
criminal justice field
3. Students will develop a resume, and cover letter will be useable in a formal manner
4. Students will have an appreciation for what developing a letter of reference entail
5. Students will be acquainted with a number of avenues which they may employ in
seeking professional employment
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
✓ There is no text book required for this course.
✓ MS Office Professional 2010 (or earlier version)
✓ Computer with basic system requirements (Pentium or higher system and 28.8k or
higher speed of modem connection.)
✓ Microsoft Office XP or higher on a Windows operating system or comparable Mac
system, and
✓ an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL:
You will need the information from the links below for your capstone paper.
The link to the guide for Criminal Justice (the demo is in the “Tutorial” link):
http://libguides.uiwtx.edu/c.php?g=500572&p=3427868
www.library.cornell.edu/resrch/citmanage/apa
The direct link to the demo for searching the Criminal Justice Database is:
https://uiw.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Searching+in+Criminal+Justice+Database/1_3
8b4pary
Access the OWL APA Guide (free) online at:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
www.apastyle.org
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APA CITATION FORMAT POLICY:
It is very important that you learn how to cite properly. In some ways, citations are more
important than the actual text of your paper. Therefore, you should take this task seriously
and devote some time to understanding how to cite properly. If you take the time to
understand this process up front, it will save you a significant amount of time in the long
run (not to mention significant deductions in points).
In the social and behavioral sciences (including Criminal Justice), we use APA (American
Psychological Association) format. As a rule of thumb, one cites whenever they are
paraphrasing other people’s words or when they quote other’s words directly.
HOW COURSE FITS WITHIN CURRICULUM:
While this course satisfies the requirements for graduation, it also give students the tools
they need to succeed in a criminal justice organization and beyond. Students will have the
invaluable opportunity to learn about criminal justice organizations, and their various
processes and problems of general importance to the field of criminal justice.
ASSESSMENTS/CAPSTONE PAPER:
Assignment Instructions: You are required to write a capstone paper for this course. A
capstone paper is exactly what it sounds like. It is a paper that will encapsulate all that you
have learned as an EAP Criminal Justice major at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Sound daunting? It isn’t and won’t be if you follow the directions as I outline them. In fact,
this may be the most liberating paper writing experience you undertake.
This paper must be a minimum of 25 pages in length: NO EXCEPTION! Papers can be
longer, but if you are approaching the 30-page mark, then you need to narrow the scope
of your paper. The paper must be typed, double spaced in 12-point font. A title page with
your name on it must be included. An abstract and a full reference page must also be
provided in your paper. This paper must adhere to APA format, including citations. An
example of this format will be provided to you in class.
This proposal will be completed in stages. There will be assignment folders for you to
upload your proposal for Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. IF you do the work when it is supposed to
be done, the project will not be overwhelming and you will do well. Below is an explanation
of the course requirement including due date, assignment instructions, and other
requirements. Follow deadlines carefully.
ASSESSMENT EVALUATIONS:
Please be mindful that the heart of the study is not on statistics, but the thinking
behind the study. Remember that criminal justice studies focus on what you really
want to find out, how you build arguments about ideas and concepts, and what
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supporting evidence you have to persuade people to accept your arguments and/or
position.
Assessment
Capstone
Abstract
and Draft
Week 2
Description
Include any additional work you have completed with
regards to the capstone abstract and draft. This body of
work serves as the baseline from which this course’s
learning is developed. Please clearly identify the research
topic you will work on for the remainder of the term.
Weight
20%
Write an Abstract that introduces and establishes the
research topic and context.
1. Draft a clear description of your research topic.
2. Reflect on what could be done with the information
found by researching this topic.
Describe the context of the question, problem, or issue of
the study.
1. Create a statement that reflects the purpose of your
study.
2. Abstract and Draft should be 7-9 double-spaced
pages in length.
3. Follow Capstone Paper Outline and include the
following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Capstone
PaperReview of
Literature
Part I
Week 4
Problem Statement
Research Questions
Purpose of the Study
Nature of the Problem
Background and Significance of the
Problem
f. Definition of Terms (if applicable)
In no more than 9-12 double-spaced pages (INCLUDE
WORK FROM WEEK 2), state the topic and the theoretical
and practical importance of studying it, as well as make a
case for how it is a contribution to the discipline.
Establish the importance of the question, problem, or
issue of the study in a specific field by addressing the
following:
1. Review of literature should also identify and review
the major studies that have examined this issue in
the past.
20%
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2. What are their methodological strengths and
weaknesses?
3. State the major hypotheses (2-3) that your study will
test.
4. Identify the major independent and dependent
variables and the unit of analysis, as part of your
front end (if applicable).
5. Write several sentences that illustrate the
importance of this study to the criminal justice field.
Identify a problem statement that clearly describes and
documents the issue the study addresses.
1. Write a paragraph that reflect your thoughts about
the overarching rationale for the study.
Develop appropriate research questions, identify the
variables in the study, and articulate a hypothesis (if
applicable).
1. List all research questions.
2. If you conduct a quantitative study, list each
proposed independent variable and dependent
variable, identifying each with a notation of either IV
or DV.
Capstone
Research
Plan,
Sampling &
Research
Design
Paper- Part
II
Week 6
You must include a cover page, abstract, and
references.
In no more than 12-15 double-spaced pages (INCLUDE
WORK FROM WEEK 4), indicate clearly the type of
sampling design you will use, your research design, and
the measures you will use in your proposed research.
Explain how the study problem, purpose, research
questions, and design are aligned. You must include a
cover page, abstract, and references.
In your sample design section, be sure to include your
rationale for selecting this type of sample. In your
discussion, clearly indicate the population to which your
hypothesis applies and how you will select the sample. Pay
particular attention to practical issues, such as sample size,
potential attrition, and access. Provide a justification for the
decisions you make.
You should also clearly indicate the type of research design
you will use to test your hypothesis. How does this design
allow you to test your hypothesis (i.e., justify your design
20%
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and provide a rationale for it)? Don’t be vague in your
design, such as saying you will conduct an experiment or a
survey. Be specific – will your survey be a panel design?
How many data collection points? Why? What will be the
lag or time between surveys/interviews? Why? Will you
survey or interview? Why?
Support the methodological approach for addressing the
question, problem, or issue of the study to respond to the
problem.
1. Describe why you think this method is the best fit for the
problem you wish to research and the required data.
2. List your ideas for gathering data for your study.
Although this proposal may seem rudimentary, the
information provided in each section can be used as the
basis of your proposal. As such, a significant amount of
effort should be given to refining these sections while they
are in their simplest form.
FINAL
Capstone
Paper
Week 8
Total Grade
Finally, discuss your measurement plan.
1. What are the key variables you need to measure in
order to test your hypothesis (if applicable)?
2. Indicate precisely how you will measure them and
consider/defend their validity and reliability.
Submit the final paper Capstone to your professor on the
40%
due date (INCLUDE WORK FROM WEEKS 2, 4, and 6).
This final proposal should address all comments and
suggested revisions provided throughout the term. The
proposal should be double-spaced, in 12-point Arial or
Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins and in APA format.
A 25-page minimum (not including the title, abstract, or
references) will be strictly enforced.
100%
PARTICIPATION, PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE: REQUIREMENTS AND
EXPECTATIONS
CAPSTONE PAPER OUTLINE:
As part of the requirements for this course you will be expected to compose a Capstone
paper of your own design, based on what you learn in this course and in Research
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Methods. The Capstone paper will be worth 40% of your course grade. The Capstone
paper must be a minimum of 25- pages in length, double spaced, with 12-point font- not
counting title page, references, tables, etc. will be required on your specific topic. You
should pick a topic of inquiry of interest, identify a research question(s) and formulate a
research design to answer your question(s). Before you begin your study, discuss in
person and or email your topic to me for approval. Your paper should have a cover
page, abstract page, table of contents page, and reference page. A few examples of
research proposals have been provided for you on the course content page.
Additionally, at a minimum your Capstone paper should generally include the following
sections:
1. Abstract:
An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, self-contained, and a powerful
statement that describes a larger work or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject and
is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper’s purpose. An abstract of a
social science or criminal justice work may contain the scope, purpose, results, and
contents of the work. It is not a review, nor does it evaluate the work being abstracted.
While it contains key words found in the larger work, the abstract is an original document
rather than an excerpted passage.
2. Introduction
In this part you should set the stage for the issue you have chosen to study (what are you
going to study and why?). Introduce the issue to the reader, tell why it should be studied
and briefly provide an overview of the ensuing Capstone paper and a clear statement of
the problem or issue of concern.
I am looking for what you have learned about current issues that you believe influences
the effectiveness and inner workings of criminal justice system. The proposal is expected
to have content and thoughtful analysis on the topic on an “advanced” level. I expect that
the paper is based on adequate references of scholarly materials rather than introductory
textbooks or popular writings. I encourage you to add your own opinions; however, those
opinions should be carefully considered, logical, and supported by evidence or outside
rationale. The most common mistakes are (a) just summarizing the topic and not
analyzing it or discussing your views, (b) failing to relate the subject to larger (broader)
issues as found in the readings. Broader issues are how your Capstone paper might yield
a different approach to criminal justice, usefulness of various alternatives, different
approaches to agency management, etc. State your hypothesis (quantitative) and what you
expect to find (do this prior to conducting your research).
3. Hypothesis(es):
Include formal statements of the specific hypothesis(es) to be investigated, and how it
relates to the research questions you specified in your introduction. What are the expected
relationships between your main variables of interest?
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4. Prior literature
In this section you will need to gather a few articles (4 or 5) of studies that have looked at
the issue you are proposing to study. Briefly describe what the articles studied and how
they studied it. Be careful not to simply list the articles in order. Rather, present the
concept and tell how the other authors dealt with it. At the conclusion of this section you
should identify the gaps found in the other literature or what still remains to be known
about your topic.
5. Research Design and Methodology
The methodology section should give the “nuts and bolts” of what you plan to do and how
you plan to carry out your research. Your research design will vary depending on the issue
and type of study you have selected. It may be inductive, where you seek to understand a
phenomenon where little is known, or it may be deductive, where more is known and
theories exist to help explain the topic. Will you be analyzing a program? Or perhaps a
policy? Will you be using an experimental or quasi-experimental design? What will your
unit of analysis be?
For inductive research, you will be seeking to understand specific facets of your identified
topic in order to formulate general understanding. You will need to clearly state your
research questions and how you will answer those questions. (In section II you should
have identified how you have arrived at asking these questions). For deductive research,
you will be applying more generalized ideas or theories to the selected topic of study. For
a deductive study, you will need to discuss theory or theories and draw out theoretically
based predictions to guide your inquiry. This should be done in Section II. Based on your
theoretical discussion, in this section you will need to draw out conceptualizations of the
theory and identify operationalizations and propositions that will be tested.
6. Data and Collection: For either type of study you will need to identify the data you will
use and how it will be collected. In other words, you will need to identify the population you
will be studying and how that population will be sampled. Will data be collected in a field
setting? Through observations or interviews? Will it be taken from public records or an
existing data base? Will it be random or non-random?
Specification of the unit of analysis and description of sampling design. Who or
what will you study, i.e., the sample/population? How will you get access to this
sample/population? What sampling technique will you use to select the sample, if not
including the entire population? How will you obtain consent, ensure voluntary
participation, and protect against harm to participants? If you are using existing data, you
still need to describe the sample, as well as any limitations the existing data may have.
Theoretical and operational definitions of all concepts. What are the general variables
(i.e., independent variables, dependent variables, control variables) that you propose to
study? How is each variable initially defined and expected to be measured, or
operationalized? You will need to offer theoretical and conceptual definitions of key
concepts (e.g., define what is meant by fear of crime). Then you will need to specify how
you will measure each concept (e.g., tell me how you will measure fear of crime), including
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control variables. Will you be developing your own measures or using pre-existing
measures? Will measures be based on single indicators or multiple? How will you test for
reliability and validity of your measures? If you are going to conduct a survey,
measurement will involve the construction of specific questions representing domains of
each variable. You do not need to create the survey, but describe what the survey items
will include.
7. Proposed Analysis:
Briefly (typically one paragraph), indicate what type of analysis(es) you plan to conduct?
You are not expected to indicate the specific statistical technique you will use to analyze
the data, just generalities such as descriptive and theme pattern techniques for qualitative
data and multivariate techniques for quantitative data. Importantly, will you be comparing
groups (e.g., control group vs. experimental group, males vs. females, non-offenders vs.
offenders) as part of the analysis(es)?
8. Summary:
In this section, give a brief overview of what you have just said in the p …
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