NCJ Number
137762
Journal
Journal of Social Issues Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 45-59
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article distinguishes among the various research strategies available to the sexual aggression researcher and identifies the limited domains of explanation inherent in each approach.
Abstract
The discussion examines the relationships among research methods, their respective strengths and weaknesses, and their ability to address questions about the possibility or probability of relationships between variables. Special emphasis is directed to the types of inferences that can be drawn from the research methods. A multiple-strategies approach emerges as the most appropriate means to realize a greater understanding of sexual assault. To avoid undermining the value of a multiple-strategies approach, an examination and critique of society's and individual researchers fundamental assumptions of sexual assault and victimization is needed. The challenge for researchers is to engage in the process of identifying and critiquing two broad and overlapping classes of assumptions that guide their research: meta-theoretical assumptions that influence the choice of research questions, provide a framework for how the research question is asked and investigated, and guide the interpretation of research findings and specific assumptions that are tied directly to substantive theories and methods. 1 figure and 44 references (Author abstract modified)