True Experiments and Causation
Introduction:
In research, a causal connection between independent and dependent variables is a critical component. It is therefore important to understand the meaning of causation in order to determine whether an experiment is causally valid. We generally view the concept of cause in the context of cause and effect as one action that may cause another to occur. View the Crime Analyst in Action media resource for an example of data quality and validity before answering these questions. With variables, the independent variable is considered the cause and the dependent variable is considered the effect. Therefore, a causal connection exists when a change to the independent variable is followed by a change to a dependent variable. It follows that association in research refers to that change in the independent variable being associated with the change in the dependent variable, therefore solidifying the causal relationship. There must be an association for a causal connection to exist between these variables in research.
Instructions:
For this discussion, select a true experiment from the Journal of Experimental Criminology.
Diagram the selected experiment using the exhibits in Chapter 6 of the Fundamentals of Research In Criminology and Criminal Justice text as a model.
Explain the extent to which experimental conditions were controlled and the causal mechanism was identified.
Specify the independent and dependent variables in the true experiment selected.
Determine whether an association exists between the independent and dependent variables in the true experiment.
Express how generalizable you think the study’s results are to the population from which the cases were selected.
Special Instructions:
Create a 1 page essay in APA format according to the instructions above. Insert each topic as a sub-header in the essay and answer accordingly. Use 2 scholarly sources for references; whereas, they will be provided for you. Utilize in-text citations.
Sources given to use:
1. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 03/2018, Volume 14, Issue 1
2. Bachman, R. D. Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice. 4th Edition
Solution Preview
Causation and Treatment in Research
Experiment Diagram
Control of Experiment Conditions
Experiment form one way of making discoveries on various issues and could be effective in ascertaining the applicability of theories in various contexts. Ariel et al. (2018), conducted an experiment in which they south to exemplify the impacts of cameras on aggression against the officers on duty.
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