Today, a gang can be termed as one the leading causes of violent crimes globally. Gang violence cases in the world have been on an upward trend with the increasing population. Information concerning this issue is on demand, and is much needed by both the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. This is to enhance their efforts in dealing with the problem in society. The article, “Collective and Normative Features of Gang Violence” by Scott Decker examines the issue of gangs comprehensively. Hence, the paper will detail the core purpose, key variables, conceptual and conceptual definitions of the vice, types of validity, and my judgment regarding the strength of the author’s arguments and research results.
The Primary Purpose and Overarching Research Questions of the Study
The core aim of the study is to explore some of the mechanisms and process that promote the creation of gangs. The most known mechanism as determined by many researchers in this field is groups, but there are others that still need to be explored extensively (Decker, 1996). To achieve this primary purpose, the researcher incorporated relevant research questions to enhance focus on the main objectives of the study. The researcher purposed to establish contagion as an element influencing collective behavior within gangs (Decker, 1996). By looking at contagion, the researcher would be able to ascertain a particular mechanism and processes that lead to gang formation. Insights and knowledge gained by answering this question would enable the judge to know how to deal with increasing cases of gang violence.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Key Concepts Measured in the Article
To conclusively ascertain contagion as a significant aspect that influences collective behavior in gangs, the researcher incorporated threat as the central concept, which is also the dependent variable. According to the research, the researcher established that gang members come together to protect themselves from retaliatory attacks from other gangs (Decker, 1996). This collective behavior acts as a protective measure against the harm that can be caused by such attacks (Suh, 2016). On the other hand, contagion is another variable examined by the researcher. It was realized that contagions were escalated by elevated levels of threat to gang members (Decker, 1996). Thus, the two variables enable the researcher to determine how collective behavior comes about as a significant characteristic of gangs in various parts of the world.
Operational and Conceptual Definitions of Gang Violence
Regarding the definition of gang violence, it has been conceptually defined by the research to be as a result of collective behavior where members lack a definite goal, structure, and techniques. The collectiveness has brought about contagion and threat amongst a particular group of people (Decker, 1996). On the other hand, the operational definitions of gang violence are the execution of harmful activities as a group with an intention to causing harm to other people with the aim of pushing an ideology or gaining monetary assets illegally (Crisis Group, 2017). I agree that the two definitions are sufficient since they incorporate major elements that lead to gang formation and their activities. In the conceptual definitions, the two variables, contagion and threat, have been pointed out as the primary cause of collective behavior (Decker, 1996). Concerning operational definition, members operate together to cause harm and illegal gains.
Different Types of Validity in the Study and why They Are Strong
First, the face validity entails the interface through which the researcher obtained feedback from the respondents. In this research, the study is valid since the research contacted interviews thus obtaining first-hand data. Secondly, content validity refers to the accuracy of the measuring tools. The research involved interviews, and actual findings were recorded. The tool is much reliable, hence, the content of research is applicable. Thirdly, criterion-related validity in this research is quite adequate. This is the ability of the study to predict the occurrence of an aspect by assessing another dominant element in research. Research can be able to determine trends and predict accurately what will happen afterwards. For instance, one could easily identify contagion by looking at the level of threat (Decker, 1996). Then, construct validity shows how the research accurately determines its claim. In this research, the study fully proved that indeed collective behavior in gangs was influenced by threats which cause contagion (Angela et al., 2018). Therefore, I think all facets of validity in this particular study were strong. Thus, the research thoroughly answered its research question and proved its claim conclusively.
Reliability of Measures
The study produced reliable measures concerning gang violence. Test scores in this research are consistent in that if repeated, similar findings can be determined. To improve further on this, the research can take back the findings to the respondents and ask them to determine the extent to which finds are real. In this case, the research can give the gang members involved in this research the data findings and ask them to state whether the findings are accurate. Then also, the research can formulate different questions that require the same answer. In this case, the honesty and determination to the research will be established. The research can also involve several researchers in reading the findings and interpreting them.
My Recommendation
The judge should be more stringent on gang members who raid other gangs. In this case, the elevated level of threat will go down. Consequently, contagion levels will also reduce drastically. In the long-run, collective behavior that leads to the formation of large gangs will be eradicated.
Conclusion
The research article “Collective and Normative Features of Gang Violence” examines contagion as an element that influences collective behaviors that are responsible for the formation of gangs. The research tested a threat as an element that causes contagion. The research is quite reliable since all facets of validity are strong. Then also, it is much reliable since its test scores can be consistent. However, the reliability can be enhanced by incorporating other researchers in analyzing findings, using different questions with similar answers and asking respondents to ascertain the extent to which the findings are accurate.
References
Angela. M. Collins, Scott. M & David. P. (2018) Collective Behavior and the Generality of Integrated Theory: A National Study of Gang Fighting, Deviant Behavior, 39:8, 992-1005. Retrieved from http://sci-hub.tw/10.1080/01639625.2017.1395664
Crisis Group. (2017). Mafia of the Poor: Gang Violence and Extortion in Central America. Retrieved from https://www.crisisgroup.org/latin-america-caribbean/central-america/62-mafia-poor-gang-violence-and-extortion-central-america
Decker. S. (1996). Collective and Normative Features of Gang Violence. Academy of
Criminal Justice Sciences. Justice Quarterly, Vol. 13 No. 2.
Suh, Chan S., & Michael G. (2016). Gangs, clubs, and alcohol: The effect of organizational membership on adolescent drinking behavior. Social Science Research. Retrieved from https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3141&context=soss_research
