Introductory Background
Topic of Choice and Rationale
In this paper, the research topic focuses on the causes and solutions of radicalization among the youths. This topic has been picked because of the rising cases of terrorism and violence. It has been noted that radicalization is the core driver of terrorism around the world (Alimi, Demetriou & Bosi, 2015). Essentially, youths are ideologically driven against people of opposite beliefs, religions and cultures. As such, they are brainwashed to pursue a violent course without the fear of death. This implies that radicalization is one of the most dangerous weapons as far as terrorism is concerned. As a result, it is very important to understand its causes and develop possible solutions.
Choice of Research Design
In order to conduct effective research, a survey design can help to provide the necessary data. As a result, it has been chosen to make the determinations in regard to the question of what causes radicalization an how it can be combated. Whereas the researchers, administrators and psychologists have continued to understand the vice, it has remained a great challenge. As a result, it becomes important to proceed with collecting new data that can be used to develop better understanding. This implies that research cannot rely on previous research studied only. New data should be collected in order to provide a deeper understanding on radicalization. This paper will therefore describe the survey research design in relations to the topic in question.
Survey Design
Sketch of the Research Design
When conducting a research survey, the researcher must identify a relevant population which has the required information (Ngungu, 2013). In this case, the research focuses on the religious leaders, violence-based counselors and counterterrorism officials. The sample will be selected using the random sampling method to eliminate biasness and increase credibility. The sample is set to involve a total of 134 respondents selected from the three different population segments. In essence, there are some hypothetical findings proposed in relation to the research question.
Hypothetical Findings
Hypothetically, there might be various reasons that cause radicalization around the world. In this regard, the poverty and lack of employment might be top on the list especially in the developing countries. In these countries, most of the youths are unemployed due to the economic instability prevailing in those countries. This makes them soft targets as far as radicalization is concerned. Since most of the radicalized youths are promised to get good payments, they consider the radicalized groups as better options. Second, sectarian divisions remain a crucial cause of radicalization because it exposes the youths to subscribing to the violent organizations. This is promoted by the personal pursuit to revenge against other religions which are perceived as inconsistent. The other hypothetical cause for radicalization is the increasing level of normalized violence around the world. Governments are engaging in capital punishments and persecutions which increase the pursuit to revenge. In addition, discrimination against people from minorities leads to radicalization. Some of the communities who are discriminated and marginalized in the community tend to convert and steer violence. When it comes to the hypothetical solutions, people should steer unity, teach against radicalization and involve everybody in decision making.
Limitations of the Study
Although the survey design has been considered to conduct this research, there are few limitations. One of the most important limitations is based on the fact that it does not have access to the radicalized. The radicalized youths are usually found in very hostile and technically guarded areas. As a result, one cannot find them without high-level assistance. The survey can only rely on those who have been in contact with the rehabilitated individuals.
Areas of Further Research
This research has not exhausted the entire scope when it comes to radicalization. It focuses on the causes and solutions of radicalization. As such, it is important to research on some other issues revolving this vice. Importantly, future research can seek to understand the extent to which religion has steered radicalization. In the popular culture, Islam has been blamed for steering radicalization. A research can be conducted to determine the extent to which religion has caused radicalization.
Use of the Findings to Professionals
The hypothetical findings provided in this research are of critical importance to professionals. First, it shows some of the crucial causes of radicalization. This implies that counterterrorism officials can use them as a point of departure to fight terrorism. In addition, it provides hypothetical solutions which serve as a pointer to offering lasting answers.
Conclusion
It has been indicated that the issue of radicalization has become a critical concern in the world. Youths have been trapped in the quagmire of violence and terrorism due to this vice. As a result, a survey research design is appropriate to collect up-to-date data in regard to the causes and solutions of this vice. Essentially, the paper hypothesizes that the vice is steered by poverty, sectarian division and discrimination. This implies that teaching people concerning the process of radicalization, promoting tolerance, and empowering the youths can reduce the prevalence significantly.
References
Alimi, E., Demetriou, C., & Bosi, L. (2015). Radicalization in Reverse and Non-Radicalization. The Dynamics of Radicalization A Relational and Comparative Perspective, 17(2), 219-268.
Ngungu, M. (2013). Understanding and Applying Research Design. Journal of International Women Studies, 14(3), 322-323.