1. Chose a broad topic: Violent Crimes 
2. Chose a demographic variable that may have an affect on violent crimes: Economic status 
3. Chose 2 variables (one independent (IV) and one dependent variable (DV)). One of the variables will be the demographic variable chosen in the question above. For example, Violent crimes would be the dependent variable and economic status independent variable. Think of a "cause and effect" relationship to determine which is the independent and which is the dependent variable.
4. Now develop a research question: "Is economic status truly a catalyst for violent crimes?" Research questions are frequently used in Criminology.  This is because we often cannot "prove" anything, but we can suggest relationships.  Research questions assess the possible relationship between variables. They are often in the format of: "To what extent, if any, is X related to Y." The wording may be a little different, but that's the general idea!
5. Log into the UMGC library and pick a database (such as Sage) to start researching what research exists about the topic of choice and the other variable chosen. Use academic peer-reviewed articles only.
6. Choose 3 peer-reviewed academic articles for each of each variable (for a total of six articles - 3 for the IV and 3 for the DV). Develop an annotated bibliography for each of the articles. Pay special attention to the similarities and differences in regard to what they are saying about the topic. Provide a brief summary of the article, and spend at least a paragraph discussing the similarities and differences between the topical articles.
7. I am not sure if my topic of choice and demographic variable are compatible with one another for the point I'm trying to make for this paper. Your help will truly be appreciated. 

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Research Question To what extent if any is economic status related to violent crimes Independent Variable IV Economic Status ... View the full answer