SEP3707 Assignment 2 (DETAILED ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED

SEP3707 Assignment 2 (DETAILED ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED Answers, guidelines, workings and references.. QUESTION 1 Define the term "methodology." [3] QUESTION 2 What is meant by 'research ethics' and why are they important in criminal justice research? [3] QUESTION 3 What is a research proposal, and what are its key components? [4] QUESTION 4 4.1 What is a research proposal? (2) 4.2 What are the three basic questions that you should attempt to answer in your research proposal? (3) [5] QUESTION 5 Outline the potential consequences of conducting research without thorough background reading. (2) Explain how background reading contributes to the quality and validity of a research project. (3) [5] QUESTION 6 Case study scenario: Evaluating the impact of restorative justice practices on recidivism rates among juvenile offenders in South Africa You are a researcher tasked with investigating the effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing recidivism rates among juvenile offenders in South Africa. The Western Cape Department of Social Development has implemented a restorative justice program for juvenile offenders, focusing on victim-offender mediation, community service, and reparation. This program aims to promote accountability, healing, and reintegration. The study will explore the impact of this program on recidivism rates over three years, using either a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach. Downloaded by Corona Virus () lOMoARcPSD| SEP3707/2025 7 Based on the case study, answer the following questions: 6.1 Identify and list four (4) academically suitable sources on the topic. The sources should be referenced correctly. (8) 6.2 Outline a quantitative data collection method that you could use for the study. Explain what type of information you would seek to gather through this method. (6) 6.3 Outline a qualitative data collection method that could be used for the study. Explain what type of information you would seek to gather through this method. (6) 6.4 What sampling technique/s would you use to select participants for your study? Explain why these techniques are suitable. (4) 6.5 Identify and describe the type/s of the unit of analysis that are applicable in this study. (4) 6.6 Suppose you use a survey to collect data from case workers to determine the effectiveness of the programme. What statistical methods would you use to analyse the data? (5) 6.7 Suppose you used personal interviews to collect data from case workers to determine the effectiveness of the programme. Explain the process you would follow to analyse the qualitative data. (6) 6.8 Identify three potential ethical issues that could arise during the study and explain how they could be addressed. (6) [45] QUESTION 7 - ESSAY Write an essay in which you evaluate the strengths and limitations of the qualitative and quantitative research approaches for a study that aims to evaluate the impact of restorative justice practices on recidivism rates among juvenile offenders. Conclude your essay by justifying which method would you recommend for the study and why. Identify and list five (5) academic sources of information that will be relevant to this study. Each source should be referenced correctly. (Refer to Tutorial letter SCHJALL/301/2026 for referencing guidelines.) (10) QUESTION 2 Explain why background reading is important when conducting research. (10) QUESTION 3 Formulate an appropriate research aim and three (3) objectives for this study. (5) QUESTION 4 Critically analyse whether a qualitative or a quantitative research approach would be more appropriate for this study. (10) SEP3707/2026 7 QUESTION 5 Identify and describe the unit/s of analysis relevant to this study. (5) QUESTION 6 Outline a suitable sampling strategy for your research. Describe how the sample will be selected according to your method and justify why this sampling method is suitable. (10) QUESTION 7 Identify and describe a suitable data collection method for your study and justify your choice. (5) QUESTION 8 Based on your research approach (your answer to question 4) and your data collection method (your answer to question 7), develop the data collection instrument (10–15 questions) you would use in this study. (15) QUESTION 9 Explain how you would analyse the data obtained through your selected method. (10) QUESTION 10 Refer to the Unisa Policy on Research Ethics and identify and describe five ethical considerations that you must take into account when conducting the study. In your answer, explain how these principles will be adhered to. QUESTION 1 Define the term "methodology." [3] QUESTION 2 What is meant by 'research ethics' and why are they important in criminal justice research? [3] QUESTION 3 What is a research proposal, and what are its key components? [4] QUESTION 4 4.1 What is a research proposal? (2) 4.2 What are the three basic questions that you should attempt to answer in your research proposal? (3) [5] QUESTION 5 Outline the potential consequences of conducting research without thorough background reading. (2) Explain how background reading contributes to the quality and validity of a research project. (3) [5] QUESTION 6 Case study scenario: Evaluating the impact of restorative justice practices on recidivism rates among juvenile offenders in South Africa You are a researcher tasked with investigating the effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing recidivism rates among juvenile offenders in South Africa. The Western Cape Department of Social Development has implemented a restorative justice program for juvenile offenders, focusing on victim-offender mediation, community service, and reparation. This program aims to promote accountability, healing, and reintegration. The study will explore the impact of this program on recidivism rates over three years, using either a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach. Downloaded by Corona Virus () lOMoARcPSD| SEP3707/2025 7 Based on the case study, answer the following questions: 6.1 Identify and list four (4) academically suitable sources on the topic. The sources should be referenced correctly. (8) 6.2 Outline a quantitative data collection method that you could use for the study. Explain what type of information you would seek to gather through this method. (6) 6.3 Outline a qualitative data collection method that could be used for the study. Explain what type of information you would seek to gather through this method. (6) 6.4 What sampling technique/s would you use to select participants for your study? Explain why these techniques are suitable. (4) 6.5 Identify and describe the type/s of the unit of analysis that are applicable in this study. (4) 6.6 Suppose you use a survey to collect data from case workers to determine the effectiveness of the programme. What statistical methods would you use to analyse the data? (5) 6.7 Suppose you used personal interviews to collect data from case workers to determine the effectiveness of the programme. Explain the process you would follow to analyse the qualitative data. (6) 6.8 Identify three potential ethical issues that could arise during the study and explain how they could be addressed. (6) [45] QUESTION 7 - ESSAY Write an essay in which you evaluate the strengths and limitations of the qualitative and quantitative research approaches for a study that aims to evaluate the impact of restorative justice practices on recidivism rates among juvenile offenders. Conclude your essay by justifying which method would you recommend for the study and why.