RJA #3

RJA #3a: Exploring Research Topic
So far, I have really been scratching the surface of my topic. I have been reading in three main textbooks about different types of violence and constructing a foundation for understanding and comprehending my topic. I have found that there are a vast number of theories having to do with violence and aggression. I will need to dissect these theories the further into my research I get.

RJA #3b: Narrowing Research Topic
Initially, I needed to narrow my topic greatly from "violence and aggression" to a specific subtopic that I can focus my research on. Now that I have clearly outlined my topic as researching more than two theories of what causes violence and arguing for one of those theories, I know what to look for when conducting my research. Although my topic is still broad, narrowing it down by focusing on "theories" makes it much more manageable. I know that there will be a good amount of information available for me to research because the topic pertains to a class I am taking this semester, I have three textbooks focusing on the topic, and there are a number of online resources that are available to me that I can include in my research. As I continue my research I will have to narrow the theories I find to the ones I see as being most relevant and logical. At this time, I will probably have to use some of the tools I have read about in chapter 3 to narrow down my topic even further.

RJA #3c: Developing Research Question
Who are the primary demographic of victims of violence in the US?
What theory or theories pertaining to the study of violence and aggression is/are relevant?
When is a good age to start educating our youth about violence and aggression?
Where do most violent acts occur? (i.e.- home, street, work, etc.)
How do our institutions work to rehabilitate violent offenders?
Why does aggression escalate into violence?
Should violent offenders face stricter penalties or would rehabilitation be useful in re-integrating them back into society?
Would children be less likely to become part of the violent cycle if they were educated at an earlier age?