Sunday, August 29, 2010

Research it the right way!



When the word research comes to mind everyone first thinks of finding something and doesn't take into consideration that researching is more than that. Researching means "collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information. (Leedy & Ormid, p. 2) This is the official definition but to myself researching means finding out what really matters to one and supporting the matter with real strong evidence.


With this said, The article that I chose was found in the American Journal of Criminal Law, which appears to be edited by the Associate Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Justice in Capital Cases, and also DePaul University College of Law.  This article was only in the American Journal of Criminal Law and it was written by: Andrea D. Lyon and Dr. Mark D. Cunningham. This article focuses on the Missouri Experience leading up to their question, “Does the Lack of Compelling Interest in Maintaining a Separate Death Row make it Unlawful?” (As stated in the title)

 The article relies on surveys and data previously found in prior years. I would not change anything about this article since it’s very well laid out and easy to follow.  Other articles related to this topic are referenced in order to strengthen the argument for the research problem. In present time to replicate the study I would focus on the same question however with updates articles and more recent data.

With the interpretation of the results being to end the death row penalty, I strongly agree. Because I, like the authors, believe it is a violation to our eighth amendment.  This article shall be one that sticks to my brain. Because I believe death row is inhumane and causes unfortunate suffering all around not only by the inmate but also family and those who have to witness the event. What seemed to work for the authors was the way they sectioned the article and led from one point to the next. This article definitely fits my description of researching because it is something that really matters and is supported with factual strong evidence.

I strongly believe that my researching skills are strong because I rely on reliable information that also comes from valuable sources.  Although this can also be a weakness because it is time consuming so I have to work hard and stay on paste to make sure my deadlines are met. With time and patience I do believe that if I learn to manage these well, my researches in the future can be very well written and presented.








Lyon, A., & Cunningham, M. (2005). "Reason Not the Need": Does the Lack of Compelling State Interest in Maintaining a Separate Death Row Make It Unlawful?. American Journal of Criminal Law, 33(1), 1-30. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=18&hid=6&sid=9e5e99a2-30a7-49ef-a37c-239e1e34be7e%40sessionmgr110

1 comment:

  1. Krystal: you're on the right track with this entry--I particularly enjoyed your careful attention to a well-constructed definition of research, using your own terms! In order to improve future entries, please carefully review your assignment guidelines prior to posting to make sure that all discussion areas are addressed fully in your blog entry. For instance, in this particular assignment, and as discussed via our emails, I was looking for you to evaluate a research article from an academic journal based upon the 9-point Research Evaluation Checklist provided in Chapter One of your Leedy & Ormrod text, citing specific examples from the article using APA formatting. Please be cognizant of the assignment details in the future, and you will do great! Well done, overall!

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