ccj e2

Nomothetic Causality

Probabilistic (X makes Y more likely); general patterns.

Idiographic Causality

Deterministic (exhaustive causes for one event); case-specific.

Criteria for Causality

1. Association: X and Y correlate 2. Temporal order: X precedes Y 3. No spuriousness: No third variable (e.g., anti-social personality linking drugs/crime)

True Experiment Components

Random assignment; Control group; Treatment manipulation; Pretest/posttest

Non-Equivalent Control Group Design

Groups matched without random assignment (e.g., job training in prisons via individual/group matching)

Threats to Internal Validity

1. Selection bias: Groups differ pre-treatment 2. Attrition: Participants drop out 3. History effects: External events skew results

Closed-Ended Questions

Fixed choices (easy coding, may omit responses).

Open-Ended Questions

Free response (depth, coding difficulty). Ex: Drug decriminalization question

Double-Barreled Question

Asks two things at once. Ex: "Is the justice system fair and effective?" Fix: Split into two questions

Impact Evaluation

Measures program outcomes (e.g., "Did recidivism decrease?").

Process Evaluation

Examines service delivery (e.g., "Was program implemented as planned?")

Evidence-Based Policy

Policies proven effective via rigorous evaluation (randomized experiments + systematic reviews/meta-analysis)

Grounded Theory Steps

1. Open coding: Categorize data 2. Axial coding: Link categories 3. Selective coding: Identify core theme. Uses theoretical sampling

Ethics in Venkatesh's Study

Covert observation; Researcher safety; Encouraging criminal behavior; Confidentiality risks (Gang Leader for a Day)

Content Analysis Types

Conceptual: Counts concept frequency (e.g., "rehabilitation" mentions). Relational: Examines concept links (e.g., "rehabilitation → recidivism reduction")

Secondary Data Risks

Tailoring questions to fit data; Measures not matching concepts; Inconsistent data collection over time