Suchergebnisse

This case study discusses some common problems of crime measurement within the context of secondary data analysis. An investigation into possible reasons behind the falling crime rates is used as a backdrop to illustrate how crime trends can be measured at the state level. One promising explanation for the declines in juvenile delinquency and violence has been tested in the research project described: the increased prescribing of psychotropic medications to children and adolescents. The case study focuses on the dependent variables for this project: changes in juvenile delinquency and violence at the state level. Several possible ways of measuring juvenile delinquency and violence are discussed, with a focus on official sources of data (Uniform Crime Reports arrests, Supplementary Homicide Reports, Vital Statistics) and their applicability and limitations. Besides official statistics, the other two common sources of crime data are also discussed: victimization reports (National Crime Victimization Survey) and self-reports (Monitoring the Future, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System). The project findings are briefly described as well: it turns out that the consumption of psychotropic medications does not seem to be related to the trends in juvenile delinquency or violent outcomes. Instead, child poverty and school services to students with disabilities emerge as two powerful factors related to youth violence: child poverty increases later violence, whereas school-based services to students with learning disabilities decrease violent outcomes.

Evaluating Research in Academic Journals is a guide for students learning how to evaluate reports of empirical research published in academic journals. It breaks down the process of evaluating a journal article into easy-to-understand steps and emphasizes the practical aspects of evaluating research

Background for evaluating research reports -- Evaluating titles -- Evaluating abstracts -- Evaluating introductions and literature reviews -- A closer look at evaluating literature reviews -- Evaluating samples when researchers generalize -- Evaluating samples when researchers do not generalize -- Evaluating measures -- Evaluating experimental procedures -- Evaluating analysis and results sections : quantitative research -- Evaluating analysis and results sections : qualitative research -- Evaluating analysis and results sections : mixed methods research -- Evaluating discussion sections -- Evaluating systematic reviews and meta-analyses : towards evidence-based practice -- Putting it all together

This chapter delineates the history, landmarks and challenges of the juvenile justice system in Russia through several types of government. Education became part of the system in the early 1900s. Under Stalin, juveniles lost their distinctive status in the criminal justice system. It was restored in 1953. The breakdown of the Soviet Union in 1991 correlated with increases in social problems that left many youths without adult supervision. The juvenile justice system allows for early release, expunging of records and special rules about interrogation. The Commission on Juvenile Affairs, which is separate from the criminal justice system, handles "less serious cases" and its role is "more preventative rather than guilt-proving." More serious cases are adjudicated through the criminal justice system. Juvenile detention in Russian penal colonies declined dramatically in recent years. The Commission runs alternative boarding schools. Juvenile justice reform is controversial, though, with a strong faction in favor of punishment.