Using your model study as a guide, compose and draft an introduction for your project. The introduction must introduce the problem statement that you have identified and the ways in which you intend to examine the problem statement.
The introduction should comprise 2–4 paragraphs, including response to the following points:
- Define the general problem statement that you are investigating. For example, a problem statement can be “Convicted offenders find it difficult to seek gainful employment upon release from prison.”
- Identify the key issues related to the problem, such as lack of skills among offenders, a desire to return to criminality rather than pursuing lawful employment, or reluctance on the part of employers to hire offenders.
- Specify the research question(s) you intend to answer with relation to your problem statement. For example, “Does participation in prison-based technical training programs improve an offender’s opportunities for postrelease employment?”
- Identify potential sources of data.
- Define the expected outcome of the project—what you expect to find and why.
Note: The problem and the key issues should not be explored in detail. Keep in mind that this is simply the first step in presenting your project. You will further work on these ideas in detail in the upcoming weeks. Make sure you incorporate the feedback that you have received for the Week 1 Project. Since the introduction will eventually be included in your final project, ensure that you utilize proper academic writing.