Prompt
In Chapters 1 and 2 of your textbook, you learned about the four types of social research: exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, and evaluative. In this activity, you will formulate four research questions about support for or against capital punishmentone question per research purpose (exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, and evaluative).
Exploratory
Write an exploratory research question either for or against capital punishment.
Descriptive
Write a descriptive research question either for or against capital punishment.
Explanatory
Write an explanatory research question either for or against capital punishment.
Evaluative
Write an evaluative research question either for or against capital punishment.
Certainly! Below are research questions formulated for each of the four types of social research related to capital punishment:
Exploratory Research Question
What are the underlying social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence public attitudes towards capital punishment?
This question aims to explore the various dimensions and complexities that shape people's views on capital punishment, without seeking to prove or disprove a specific stance.
Descriptive Research Question
What is the demographic profile (age, gender, education level, socioeconomic status) of individuals who support capital punishment in the United States?
This question seeks to describe the characteristics of supporters of capital punishment, providing a clear picture of who is in favor of it based on demographic factors.
Explanatory Research Question
How does the implementation of capital punishment in different states affect crime rates compared to states where it has been abolished?
This question aims to explain the relationship between capital punishment and crime rates, looking to identify causal links or correlations between the two variables.
Evaluative Research Question
To what extent do capital punishment policies achieve their intended goals of deterrence and justice compared to alternative sentencing options such as life imprisonment?
This question evaluates the effectiveness of capital punishment in achieving its objectives, allowing for a comparison with other sentencing methods to determine which is more successful in fulfilling societal goals.