Assignment on Families

DUE: NLT March 29 
POINTS:  Up to 20

We've talked about theories in recent weeks. One way of 
testing theories is to identify variables that 
increase or decrease the likelihood of someone engaging
in delinquency.

Drawing from chapers 3 (drugs), 4 (Violence) or 10 (Family),
identify a claim or statement or some other interpretation, and then 
explain how you would test that claim.
For example, "broken homes contribute to delinquency," or "female violence
is rising because of feminism," or "gang violence is caused by the decay
in the cultural moral fabric." (NOTE: I just made these up - they aren't
from the text).

Then, identify the theory that could be used to "explain" the claim or
position or opinion.  (for example:
 
      Variable:             Gangs

      Theory:               conflict theory
                            or anomie theory
                            or culture conflict theory

Then, we should explain how each theory uses the concept
in its explanation. Next, identify a few
hypotheses and then explain how they would be tested.

In short, this assignment requires you to "test" theories from previous
chapters and then construct your research design.

Return to JT's homepage