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Northern Essex Community College

Module 2 Writing Assignment

Review the assignment overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview
Criminology has evolved through distinct eras of thought, each shaped by social conditions, dominant theories, and research approaches. At the same time, the credibility of criminological knowledge depends on the quality of research design and the ability to produce valid findings.
In this assignment, you will analyze how criminological thought has developed across major eras and examine why research validity is essential for producing evidence that can inform criminal justice policy and practice.
Student Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the assignment and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Analyze the development of criminological thought across major eras and its influence on contemporary practice (SLO5).
  • LO2: Evaluate the role of research validity in producing evidence-based criminological knowledge (SLO8).
Assignment Topic
Criminology has progressed through several major eras, each influencing how crime is studied and addressed.
Part 1: The Four Eras of Criminology
  • Identify and briefly describe the four major eras or schools of criminological thought.
  • Explain the central ideas or theoretical approaches that characterize each era.
  • Analyze how each era continues to influence contemporary criminological research or criminal justice practice.
Part 2: Validity in Criminological Research
  • Define internal validity and external validity as they are used in criminological research.
  • Provide examples of how each type of validity applies to real or hypothetical criminological studies.
  • Identify common threats to validity, such as bias, measurement error, or lack of control, and explain why they matter.
Part 3: Strengthening Criminological Research
  • Explain strategies criminologists use to address threats to validity.
  • Provide at least one example of how researchers strengthen study design to improve validity, drawing from course readings or simulations when appropriate.
Your paper should emphasize analysis and application rather than extensive summary.
Acceptable and Ethical Use of AI
  • Use AI to help organize the four eras of criminology or to clarify definitions of internal and external validity. Do not use AI to write sections of the paper.
  • Use AI to brainstorm examples of research threats or design strategies, then independently evaluate and apply those examples using course concepts.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your assignment.

  • Your paper should be 2-3 pages, using APA style, including 12 font and 1-inch margins.
  • A minimum of at least two (2) sources, with proper APA citations in a Reference Page and proper in-text citations.
  • Abstract NOT needed.
  • Submissions are checked against a Plagiarism Checker and AI Detector.
    • Direct quotes should not exceed 15% of the total paper.
    • AI Usage – you must use AI ethically. Papers written by an AI is cheating.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your assignment through the designated submission area.
  • Ensure your file is in [accepted format: Word, PDF, etc.].
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. Follow course policies regarding academic integrity and the use of outside sources or tools.