complete the Hypothesis Construction Exercise, using the Excel datasets below

CRJ 378

Hypothesis Construction

Overview. The purpose of this Exercise is to hone your skills at conceiving of and constructing logical hypotheses of potential use to crime analysts.

Theories can guide our analysis and interpretation of data. They not only suggest concepts and variables to study but also tell us how variables should be related to each other—they provide the basis for logical expectations of what we’ll find when we analyze available data. Review the theories and principles presented in Chapter 2, and use them to formulate (causal) research hypotheses. You can draw from other major criminological theories if you like (e.g., deterrence, strain).

Each hypothesis should have one independent variable, one dependent variable, and no other variables; and it should specify how cause affects the effect (increase or decrease, not just influence). Edit each hypothesis for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Follow the hypothesis with one or more complete sentences identifying the specific theory/principle from which the hypothesis is derived and explaining the logic/reasoning you used to move from theory to hypothesis.

Example: Residential burglaries are more likely during the weekdays than at night. Based on routine activities theory, victims are away during the day and their homes lack guardianship, which makes these unoccupied homes more attractive crime targets.

1. Open the “Sample Data – Crime Incident” Excel dataset. Write one hypothesis that this dataset could be used to test. Identify the theory/principle you used to arrive at this hypothesis, and provide your reasoning.

2. Open the “Sample Data – Arrests” dataset. Write one hypothesis that this dataset could be used to test. Identify the theory/principle you used to arrive at this hypothesis, and provide your reasoning.

3. Open the “Sample Data – Calls for Service” dataset. Write one hypothesis that this dataset could be used to test. Identify the theory/principle you used to arrive at this hypothesis, and provide your reasoning.

Number your responses, and answer them in the order asked. Type your work directly into the Engage dropbox. Please proofread and edit before submitting.

This assignment is worth 150 points, 50 points per hypothesis, as outlined below. You cannot earn credit for repeating yourself or examples.