SEP3707 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025

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SEP3707 Assignment 2 Semester 1 | Due April 2025. All questions answered. ASSESSMENT 2
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.
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. [30]
TOTAL: 100