Correlational Research WK 6 WA

Correlational Research

WK 6 WA

Briefly describe each of the studies in the two research articles you selected. Include a description of the results of the studies and the correlational relationship reported. Explain the strengths and limitations of using a correlational design in each of the studies.

A 2008 by Sarrica entitled "Drugs prices and systemic violence: An empirical study" began with the hypothesis that as the price of illegal drugs rise, the rates of violent crime will rise. The study established a correlation between high drug prices and high rates of violent crimes and proved its initial hypothesis. A rational choice model was applied to the scenario, hypothesizing that the greater the incentive to sell drugs, the greater the likelihood of spillover violence, because of the nature of drug trafficking. Also, the greater the profit that is possible to incur, the greater the risk drug traffickers will be willing to take by engaging in violent, criminal behavior.

This study illustrates some of the problems of correlative research: it could be that as the disparity between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' of a nation increase, the market for illegal drugs and persons willing to sell them expands and a rise in violence is also associated with a rise in socioeconomic inequality. Also, many variables can affect a rise in violence, such as the availability of new technology (guns); changes firearm legislation; political conflicts in the region; and other forms of economic distress. All of these may make illegal activity in general (violence as well as selling drugs) more attractive, as levels of desperation increase.

Another study of drug abuse entitled "Social estrangement: Factors associated with alcohol or drug dependency among homeless, street-involved young adults" focused on the connection between homelessness and drug abuse amongst young people. It used a "correlational design to identify four domains of social estrangement: disaffiliation, human capital, identification with homeless culture, and psychological dysfunction" to determine the degree to which these were correlated with alcohol or drug dependence (Thompson et al. 2009). The greater the extent to which a young person identified with homeless culture, the more likely he or she was to be an abuser of drugs and alcohol. Although this cultural factor was the strongest correlative factor, the other domains in the study likewise were highly correlated with substance abuse amongst homeless young people.

The authors stated that although drug abuse is often seen as a problem by social workers who deal with the homeless, for the homeless themselves, abuse is often seen as a useful coping strategy to deal with the challenges of their lives. The disaffection felt by young adults also suggests that there may be built-in resistance to adopting what is considered 'normal' behavior. Homeless persons who were involved in alcohol and drugs showed higher levels of identification with street culture and a greater likelihood of being involved in violent crimes in their pasts.