Values of the Dependent Variable

¶ … Values of the Dependent Variable

According to King et al. (1994, p. 141), this type of selection involves a range of values that vary significantly across areas or population groups. If one were then to compare the root causes of violence in Egypt, for example, one might focus on a variety of possible causes, including the religious views of citizens and the effect of this on their political views. These can then be compared with other possible causes when compared to countries where there has been a prolonged period of peace.

If one religion were particularly represented in Egypt, for example, it could be investigated as one of the hypothetical causes for the political violence in the state. If this same religion is prevalent within the non-violent country, it can be ruled out as a root cause of political violence. Other differences between the elements within both countries can then also be investigated in terms of their effects on the violence.

The level of democracy is another possible factor that can be investigated, as well as factors like the rulership period of the state leaders in question, as well as the way in which laws and political loyalty are enforced.

A further possibility is to select a number of dependent variables and to choose a representative country or location for each to compare with Egypt. In this way, each hypothesis can be thoroughly tested by means of comparison in order to rule them out or to verify them. The ultimate study result can then include the greatest to the least likely causes. This will provide the researcher with greater certainty regarding the study results.

Selecting Observations on the Explanatory Variable

This paradigm by King et al. (1994, p. 139) suggests that the explanatory variable can be used as a bases for research. In investigating the crime rate among counties, then, various explanatory variables can be suggested for the crime rate fluctuation among states. To investigate these, each explanatory variable can be used in isolation to determine their specific impact upon the crime rate.

The research can be conducted by first conducting an investigation of existing literature and statistics to determine the likelihood of each variable. Values can then be assigned to each variable to indicate the greatest to least likelihood.

Qualitative research can then be conducted regarding the greatest likelihood of each explanatory variable. This can be done by means of surveys, questionnaires and interviews to both criminology professionals, political leaders, and the general public.

The study design will then follow a sequence led by the specific explanatory variable chosen. Gun control, for example, can be used as the first explanatory variable to be confirmed or denied by the study results.

The selection of a variety of explanatory variables, as well as the various types of research method will be implemented to minimise selection bias. Furthermore, the focus on more than one type of variable as focus for the study also provides multiple perspectives on the results of the study. By taking into account more than one type of survey and data gathering method, the most likely explanatory variable for the crime rate range in the various states can be obtained.