we considered foundations of science: the theoretical frameworks that guide empirical research; the necessity of clear, specific, and logical hypotheses about effects; and the three elements (empirical association, time-order, and non-spuriousness) required to establish causality between variables. Hopefully you also had a chance to review the assigned journal article on neighborhood watch, which offers us a common frame of reference to talk about.
In this week’s discussion, reflect a bit on the application of our scientific foundations on the “problem” of neighborhood watch (NW). Why might different theoretical frameworks suggest different approaches to studying NW programs? Where might hypothesized NW effects differ, or even contradict one another? What, exactly, are we attempting to study, and what evidence would support or fail to support our hypotheses?
For the purpose of this discussion, it’s not necessary that you adhere strictly to the content of the assigned article, nor do you need to know the status of knowledge on neighborhood watch programs. It’s just an exercise to get us thinking about the translation of these abstract ideas to real-world criminal justice examples.
Theoretical Frameworks and Divergent Approaches
The “problem” of neighborhood watch (NW) can be approached through various theoretical lenses, leading to different research questions and methodologies. Here’s how some frameworks might influence our approach:
Hypothesized NW Effects and Potential Contradictions
Different theoretical frameworks might lead to contrasting hypotheses about NW effects:
What are We Studying and How to Evaluate Effects?
To effectively study NW programs, we need to clearly define what we’re measuring:
Supporting and Refuting Hypotheses
Conclusion:
By recognizing the influence of theoretical frameworks on research questions and hypotheses, we can design studies of neighborhood watch programs that provide more nuanced and reliable evidence. Evaluating their effectiveness requires analyzing not just crime rates, but also factors like fear of crime and community engagement. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of NW programs’ potential impact on neighborhoods.