Draft a Research Problem, Purpose, and Research Questions with Hypotheses Introduction Police culture is a persistent topic with scholarly research on police organizational behavior.
Include the following information, using these headings, in your quasi-proposal:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose Statement
Research Questions
Hypotheses
Null and Alternative for each research question
Methodology
Research Design: Specific quantitative method to be used and rationale. Cite works related to your decision.
Operationalization of Variable: Specification of the concepts to be measured for each variable/construct.
State variable/construct name,
Define the variable/construct,
Identify the source of the variable/construct,
Describe how the variable/construct is scored,
Identify the level of measurement of the variable/construct,
Identify range and interpretation, or group classification of the variable/construct.
Specification of the population, recruitment method, and target sample size with justification.
Data collection procedure: Explanation of how the data will be collected.
Intended data analysis: Explain how the data will be analyzed to test the hypotheses and provide answers to the research questions. Provide your rationale.
Validity: Any plausible threats to internal and external validity.
References
In this assignment, you are expected to incorporate all previous instructor feedback. Your prospectus must be in APA format and be of the quality expected of doctoral-level work. All research elements must be in alignment and reflect a cohesive and comprehensive research study.
Length: Your paper should be between 12 -15 pages, not including title and reference page.
References: Include a minimum of ten (10) scholarly sources.
Requirements: 12-15 pages
1Draft a Research Problem, Purpose, and Research Questions with HypothesesLisa McCauleyBUS- 7320 (Week #1)Dr. Dan AugustoNorthcentral UniversityJune 25, 2023
2Draft a Research Problem, Purpose, and Research Questions with HypothesesIntroductionPolice culture is a persistent topic with scholarly research on police organizational behavior. One way to define police culture can be “a set of widely shared outlooks that are formed as adaptations to a working environment characterized by uncertainty, danger, and coercive authority and that servers to manage the strains that originate in this work environment”(Skogan & Frydl, 2004, p. 131). Each organization and institution have developed a unique culture that influences the behaviors of an individual (Linton., 1938, p. 425). Researchers had previously called for investigations of police organizational culture to determine if changes to thecommunity policing strategy resulted in the weakening of previously documented expressions of culture and the emergence of any new cultural attributes (Brough, et al., 2016). The Hampton Roads area is home to one of the world’s largest military populations in theworld. The area accounts for 11 military installations, 83,000 active-duty personnel, and a Department of Defense spending of 45.6% of all regional economic activities. The police departments actively recruit and seek separated and retired military members to join the departments. The previously developed culture of the military was taught and carried over in every aspect of life in Hampton Roads, VA. In my research, I seek to define police culture by street-level officers and learn how it influences the decision-making of police officers (Anthony, 2018). Problem StatementWieslander (2019) discovered that Police Officers at local Police Departments are influenced negatively by organizational culture, and Bleakley (2021) discovered that organizational culture alters police ethics over time, allowing for the potential for corruption and putting citizens at risk due to entrusted power given to officers on the job. The problem is a lack
3of current scholarly research studying the influence of previously acquired culture and the impacts on the newly acquired, evolved, and sustainment of police culture and how this blend of police culture affects the decision-making of street-level officers (Anthony, 2018). Purpose StatementThe study seeks to determine how culture is defined, taught, and developed. The explanation and analysis of the study will be based on Akers’ (2011) social structure learning theory, which was built from Sutherland’s (1947) differential association theory. The study hopes to determine the impact of previously developed military culture and how this is carried over to the police department in this area. The unique regional attributes of a heavily engrained military organization and active recruitment of these individuals lead to a significant military representation in our police force. San Diego, California, is second in the United States to replicate such an environment. Theoretical FrameworkDifferential Association TheorySutherland’s (1947) work is based on the study of Bandura and his social learning theory.Social Learning states that learning happens from others through the process of rewards or punishments. The people we learn from are referred to as models. Lastly, learning does not always directly result in action (Sutherland, 1947).Sutherland (1947) has nine elements he determines as learning from others. One, Sutherland believes criminal behavior is learned. Secondly, the criminal behavior learned is doneso by interacting and communicating with other people. Third, the most critical part of criminal behavior is learned through a person’s close circle of friends. Fourth, learning involves the
4development of a technique to commit a crime and the social transmission of values, attitudes, drives, motivations, and rationalizations for committing the crime (Sutherland, 1947). Sutherland (1947) states that the fifth aspect is that the direction of the motives and drivesare learned from legal codes as favorable or unfavorable. Sixth, a person becomes a criminal when the unfavorable laws are excessive. Seventh, the association may vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity and determine the favorable or unfavorable legal code drives. Eighth, criminal behavior is not limited to learning by association but can be driven by other mechanics such as reward. Finally, needs and values do not explain criminal behavior, and non-criminal behavior is explained by exact needs and values (Sutherland, 1947).Some argue that this theory is outdated, especially concerning number three; criminal behavior is learned through a person’s close circle of friends. This concept describes media and other influences are secondary. With the advancements in technology, social media, and news broadcasts twenty-four-seven, the influence of technology may play a much more significant influence on behavior than in 1947. I believe the theory does have some validity; however, concerning technological advancements and easy access, the theory is falling short. Social Structure Social Learning TheoryAkers (2011) studies how criminal behavior is learned. He uses Bandura’s principle of social learning but follows the thinking that criminal behavior is learned through the principles ofoperant conditioning. The criminal behavior will be positively or negatively inspired, and whether the actions are punished or conformed stimulates a learning pattern. Reinforcing consequences depends on how effective they are, how intense they are, how frequently they occur, and how likely the behavior will be followed (Akers, 2011).
5Akers’ theory first started out as a theory of differential amplification (Akers, 2011). Later the model changed as Akers began to add to the theory the principles of model learning to the concept of operant conditioning. The reward from an observing person for the conductor’s actions only strengthens the effect. The reward encourages the behavior to be repeated by the conductor. In contradiction to Sutherlands’ theory, Akers stated that direct social interaction is unnecessary as media can amplify the effect. Akers does agree with Sutherland that first-time criminal behavior mainly arises through contact with a criminal environment (Akers, 2011). Akers then takes this idea of social learning and applies it to criminal policy. The criminal policy must prevent both reinforcement of criminal behavior and the punishment of compliant behavior and support the punishment of criminal behavior and the rewarding of compliant behavior. Akers points out that the mass media on an individual’s behavior must be considered. Akers stated that the mere observation of criminal behavior does not lead to imitation; instead, the behavior and positive consequences must be present for the behavior to be learned. LogicalExamining police culture is relevant because of the essential role police play in our society (Gutschmidt, 2020). Specifically, police officers have discretionary powers when fighting crime and enforcing laws, and their shared cultural values largely influence how they carry out their discretionary ability. Therefore, the organization’s culture should significantly influence the police actions toward the civilian population. Furthermore, the organizational approach to rewards and punishment either deters or encourages an action to continue (Gutschmidt, 2020).
6Since 2014, many black members of society have been killed by sworn street officers who have made public news (Georgetown University, n.d.). Renisha McBride, Eric Garner, JohnCrawford, Michael Brown, Vonderitt D. Myers Jr., Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, Antonio Martin, Sandra Bland, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, George Floyd, and Tre Nichols are all examples of the black community being killed by police officers that resulted in national news and community response. These events keep happening despite the community protesting, rioting, and demanding justice and change. The Black Lives Matter movement addressed the issue of systematic racism against the black community. This narrative has changed with the January 2023 killing of Tre Nichols, a black man, by five black police officers. Now the Black Lives Matter movement and the Black Community are questioning police culture as the culprit (Georgetown University, n.d.).Through my experience with Virginia Beach Police Department and attending the academy, a police recruit, does not go in with the idea of doing wrong. The department asked every recruit why they wanted to be a police officer. Most answers were about protecting and serving my community, making a difference, being there for someone in need, and because it was a family profession and the individual wanted to continue to carry on the pride and work. None stated to do harm or injury or negate the law and exact street justice by killing someone. Sohow does a seemingly good recruit turn into an abusive forceful killing monster with inadequate self-control? The problem is nothing new to the communities in the United States. Despite the outcries,protests, riots, defunding of the police movement, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and prosecuting officers, the issue continues, and many Black Community Members are still dying atthe hands of the police (News Channel 3, 2023). The issue needs to be examined, and why
7officers are making the decisions in the field to harm needs to be figured out and resolved. Even one American’s life loss is one too many at the hands of those that should be protecting us. The video of Tyre Nichols’ death shows officers kicking him in the head and holding him while another officer punched him multiple times, which led to his death. This should be reason enough to warrant academic insight and progress made to help our communities resolve the issue(News Channel 3, 2023).Study ProposalProposed questions:(1)What elements make up police culture to you?a.Establish the officer’s awareness of a police culture and invite support or criticism of the various aspects defined as culture.(2)What elements make up military culture to you?a.Establish the officer’s awareness of military culture and invite support or criticism of the various aspects defined as culture.(3)How many of the elements of military culture do you see in your police culture?a.None, Some, Half, Most, Allb.Allows for analysis of joint culture and influence.(4)How often does police culture affect your decision on the job?a.Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Alwaysb.Provokes officers’ thoughts on how culture impacts decisions with the public.(5)What percentage of police culture were you introduced to for the first time with the police department?
8a.Determines first interaction with the culture and provides insight on where to address changes. (6)What percentage of police culture were you introduced to previously through the military culture that carried over to the police department?a.Determines first interaction with the culture and provides insight on where to address changes. (7)How often does the difference in generations affect the culture?a.Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Alwaysa.Determine how the generations influence the culture and bridge the gap between them. (8)How likely is technology advancements to change police culture. (recording devices, media, etc)a.Very unlikely, unlikely, neutral likely, very likelyb.Responses will reflect on the current abilities of our nation to record and broadcast information instantly. (9)How comfortable/competent are you with technology in your department?a.Very uncomfortable/incompetent, Uncomfortable/incompetent, Neither uncomfortable/incompetent or comfortable/competent, Comfortable/Competent, Very Comfortable/ Very Competentb.Reflect level of comfort with technology in the field. Proposed hypothesis:Question 3:
9H1o: There is no relationship between military culture elements and police culture elements.H1i: There is a relationship between military culture elements and police culture elements.Question 4: H1o: There is no relationship between police culture affecting decisions on the job.H1i: There is a relationship between police culture affecting decisions on the job.Question 5/6: H1o: There is no relationship between culture being taught at the police department or being taught in the military.H1i: There is a relationship between culture being taught at the police departmentand being taught in the military.Question 7: H1o: There is no relationship between police culture and different generations of officers.H1i: There is a relationship between police culture and different generations of officers.Question 8: H1o: There is no relationship between police culture and advancements in technology.H1i: There is a relationship between police culture and advancements in technology.
10SamplingStreet-level officers within Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, police sheriff’s departments. 20 officers should be interviewed from each department. Officers’ sex, race, age, education, and police experience should vary and be based on the national demographics of police officers. ConclusionThe study hopes to prove that within the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area, the military culture is carried over and influences the police culture. This creates a unique atmosphere of police work, ethics, and decisions that result from a militarist viewpoint. The saturation of military in the area creates a unique Community Oriented Policing strategy. However, this unique strategy of policework may not work for out-of-town tourists that do not have this military influence.
11ReferencesAkers, R.L. (2011). Social learning and social structure: A general theory of crime and deviance. New Brunswick, NJ. Transaction Publishers.Anthony, L.D. (2018). Police culture and decision-making. [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University] Criminology Commons and Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons.Bleakley, P. (2021). The Cult of Corruption: Reframing Organizational Frameworks of Police Corruption from a Cultic Perspective. Deviant Behavior, 42(5), 565-577.Brough, P., Chataway, S., & Biggs, A. (2016). You Don’t Want People Knowing You’re a Copper! A Contemporary Assessment of Police Organizational Culture. International Journal of Police Science & Management. 18(1), 28-36.Georgetown University. (n.d.). Black Lives Matter Timeline. Retrieved on March 18, 2023, fromhttps://repository.library.georgetown.edu/bitstream/handle/10822/1040691/Black%20Lives%20Matter%20Timeline%20.pdf?sequence=1Gutschmidt, D. (2020). Dimensions of Police Culture- A Quantitative Analysis. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management. 43(6), 963-978.Linton, R. (1938). Culture, society, and the individual. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology. 33(4), 425-436.News Channel 3. (2023). Tyre Nichols videos show what happened in fatal Memphis traffic stop.Retrieved on March 19, 2023, from https://wreg.com/news/local/tyre-nichols/tyre-nichols-video-released-by-memphis-police/
12Skogan, W.G., & Frydl, E. (2004). Fairness and Effectiveness in Policing: The Evidence. Washington, DC: The National Academic Press. Sutherland, E. (1947). Principles of Criminology (4th edition). Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company. Wieslander, M. (2019). Learning the (hidden) silence policy within the police. Studies in continuing education, 41(3), 308-325.
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