Reply must be at least 200-300 words and at least 2 citations from sources such as your textbook, peer-reviewed journal articles, and the Bible. The thread and replies must follow current APA format.
Maxfield, M. G., & Babbie, E. R. (2018). Research methods for criminal justice and criminology (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781337091824.
*Kamesha B*
As a Ph.D. candidate in Criminal Justice, it is essential to find a topic for a dissertation. The first step that I have taken involved first brainstorming potential topics of interest surrounding my current professional role. I then had to look at my topics and determine if theres more research needed, has it been researched enough, am I interested in this topic, and determining what I hope can be gained from me researching the topic more. The sources for guidance that I have looked to included: the internet, my coworkers, professional organizations that have conducted research, and reading different dissertations and literature on the topics that I thought about discussing (Roberts, 2010). I have been reading research findings from the EVAWI (End Violence Against Women International) website, literature written by Dr. Rebecca Campbell, case law from my state, and the policies and procedures surrounding the topic within my organization. I conducted internet searches surrounding the topic and utilize the Liberty University library by adding keywords to see what literature on the topic comes up. I specifically search for peer-reviewed articles within the last seven years. I would read the abstract to get an understanding of the thesis of the article, and the research methods conducted to arrive at the conclusion.
When reading articles that I locate I often read the abstract first to understand the purpose of the study, and then the conclusion. I then read the entire article and attempt to identify what is known and what is not known (Maxfield & Babbie, 2018). I then start thinking about how the topic/problem relates to my everyday professional role. I also think about how the results found would impact my organization if implemented, and then start to think of additional questions I have regarding the implementation. I then try to figure out how that research can help me understand the problem better, and would more research help me understand the problem even more (Maxfield & Babbie, 2018). I generally read the article at least two times to grasp the premise of the article.
I plan on using the recommendations on one of the articles that I have read regarding my research topic to conduct further research (Maxfield & Babbie, 2018).
My passion surrounding criminal justice is transforming and growing. There are several problems that I have identified as of late and want to develop a clearer understanding on those issues. I am being led to research the problems surround sexual assault investigations. I am slowly learning the principle that is mentioned in Proverbs 2:2 (ESV) which states, Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding. I feel this is specifically directing me on how I should proceed with this journey I am on to obtain my Ph.D. As a police officer, its natural to feel like you always have all the answers, however this journey has been humbling. I have recognized that there are so many problems that needs answers within in the criminal justice system. I am eager to continue my journey and it is rooted in research and analysis, a place I never saw myself living in.
References
Maxfield, M.G. & Babbie, E.R. (2018). Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology. Eighth Edition. Boston: Cengage Learning.
Roberts, C. M. (2010). Choosing a dissertation topic. In The dissertation journey: A practical and comprehensive guide to planning, writing, and defending your dissertation (pp. 46-52). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press doi: 10.4135/9781452219219.n4
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