Theoretical framework, quasi-experimental design, and research alignment

Conceptualizing Boko Haram is challenging, requiring a multifaceted theoretical framework. Boko Haram did not emerge out of a vacuum. It is hypothesized that Boko Haram has been influenced by other radical groups as well as trans-national religious extremism. Moreover, it is hypothesized that Boko Haram functions as a political opposition group. The theoretical framework used to characterize the political function and focus of Boko Haram is based on social alienation and particularly the Frustration-Aggression theoretical framework as suggested by Omadjohwoefe (2013). Frustration-Aggression theory is related to conflict theory, in that systematic alienation and oppression lead to widespread frustration and despair, and the outlet for that despair is violence. Violence has been normalized within the context of quasi-religious ideology, which simultaneously promises to rectify corruption in the government and replace the existing regime with one that claims to empower the disenfranchised elements of Nigerian society. Moreover, the dependent variable in the research will be related to the Nigerian economy. As a terrorist organization using destruction of public infrastructure as a military tactic, Boko Haram undermines the very causes it seeks to uphold: the economic uplifting of the people. Using these theoretical frameworks, the research will identify some of the causes of Boko Haram with the goal of identifying the most sensible solutions.

A quasi-experimental research design is experimental and tests a causal hypothesis, but lacks the strict controls of random assignment (Trochim, 2006). With the dependent variable as an economic equation, it is possible to conduct a quasi-experimental design in which the effects of Boko Haram on the Nigerian economy can be postulated. A regression discontinuity design or a propensity score matching method are both quasi-experimental design methods that can be used for this research (White & Sabarwal, 2014). Because regression discontinuity is best for studies like this involving retrospective data, it may be the ideal method. When we study the regional and international influences on Boko Haram, we can also use a quasi-experimental design. It is possible to examine the causal effects of radical insurgency on Boko Haram versus groups in other countries, or to examine the differential effects of radical insurgency on various communities in Northern Nigeria.

The main limitation to using the quasi-experimental method in this case is internal validity, as there is no actual control group and there is no random assignment. While studying the economic impacts of Boko Haram, it is impossible to know what the Nigerian economy might have looked like had the terrorist organization never existed. We are instead comparing the economy before and after the emergence of Boko Haram, and it is difficult to control for extraneous variables that would have otherwise impacted the economy. Similarly, when conducting a quasi-experimental design applied to causal effects of other terrorist and religious fundamentalist groups, it is difficult to find a direct comparison group. Operationalizing the variables may prove challenging, as will testing for numerous but related hypotheses. However, the quasi-experimental design also has strengths. We can compare Nigeria to another case study in the region. Or, we can conduct focused studies within Nigerian communities. The quasi-experimental design covers much of the ground of an experimental design, when the latter is unavailable or not feasible as in this case.