The research circle is a concept that throws on the main stages of an empirical study. In particular, one should speak about such tasks theorizing, formulation of a hypothesis, collection and analysis of data in order to test the hypothesis, and generalization of results. This paper will examine the research carried out by Lawrence Sherman and Richard Berk (1984) with the help of the research circle. Overall, the scholars do not complete the fourth stage, namely the generalization of findings; however, they produce valuable results that may have significant practical implications.
The study is aimed at examining various strategies that can minimize the risk of domestic violence. It can be described as a descriptive study that should illustrate common certain social or behavioral trends; nevertheless the scholars do not generalize their findings. The experiment conducted by the authors throws light on the three stages of the research circle. At first, it is important to mention the use of the so-called deterrence theory according to which punishment decreases recidivism.
Secondly, this theoretical framework gives rise to a hypothesis according to which arrest can reduce the risk of recidivism of domestic violence among men who abused their wives or children (Sherman & Berk, 1984). This is the main assumption that had to be tested. It should be noted that the efficiency of this method was compared to other interventions, namely the separation of spouses and counseling (Sherman & Berk, 1984). Later, researchers proceeded to the collection and analysis of data that could refute or support their hypothesis. In particular, they conducted an experiment that included a set of dependent and independent variables.
For instance, one can speak about deterrence methods such as arrest, counseling or separation as the main independent variable and the rate of recidivism as the dependent variable. In turn, the results of the experiment indicate that arrest is a more effective intervention because it has the lowest rate of recidivism. In particular, only, ten percent of men, who were arrested, repeated violence (Sherman & Berk, 1984, p. 7). These examples illustrate the first three stages of the research circle.
Nevertheless, it is important to mention that the authors do not complete the research circle. In particular, they do not generalize their findings. They note that their results can be applicable only to Minneapolis that has certain socio-cultural characteristics such as the increased proportion of the Native-American population and low unemployment (Sherman & Berk, 1984, p. 8). Therefore, the scholars note that these patterns may not be observed in other cities (Sherman & Berk, 1984, p. 8). Still, despite the limitations, the study can give researchers better insights into such a topic as the prevention of domestic violence. Apart from that, the research can be replicated in other settings. Thus, it may be possible to complete the research circle. This is one of the arguments that can be advanced.
Overall, this discussion shows how the concept of research circle can be applied. Admittedly, the authors do not complete the fourth stage, namely empirical generalizations; nevertheless, this study can be of great value to criminologists because it offers a valuable intervention that can later be tested and used in other cities. One can also argue that the notion of research circle is useful for evaluating the validity and usefulness of an empirical study. These are the main points that can be made.
Reference
Sherman, L., & Berk, R. (1984). The Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment. Web.