Social Research and Program Evaluation SOCL-345

Key concepts: Qualitative/Quantitative research. nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio levels of measurement. Sampling/Non sampling.

2 Papers:

Qualitative Study on Attitudes Towards Punishment Intervention

Walyn Napper

Longwood 

Bill Burger

SOCL-345

October 17, 2023

Qualitative Study on Attitudes Towards Punishment Intervention

In various societal contexts, people and communities encounter difficulties sustaining collaboration, discouraging the destruction of public assets, and guaranteeing compliance with established social norms. The evolution of human cooperation can be supported by punishment through the selective imposition of costs on non-cooperators and norm breakers, as demonstrated by theoretical models and experiments. In experimental contexts, it has been seen that individuals are willing to incur personal costs to punish offenders. However, it is essential to note that there is significant diversity in punishment norms among different cultures. Different people also have different attitudes towards punishment, and qualitative research can be used to understand their attitudes and what makes them have those particular attitudes. This research involves using a literature review and qualitative study to determine people’s attitudes toward punishment intervention and what leads them to have those specific attitudes. 

Literature Review

A lot of scholars across the world have investigated punishment intervention through various lenses and by the use of various research designs. The results show that some people support direct confrontation as a form of punishment while others do not. The direct confrontation appears to be more aptly suited for readjusting offenders current and future conduct, hence yielding advantageous outcomes for the individual administering the punishment (Molho & Wu, 2021). This is due to the fact that engaging in direct physical or verbal confrontations with offenders is a highly quick and productive approach to halting ongoing offenses. However, such confrontations enable the punished individuals to establish explicit connections between instances of inappropriate behavior and the resultant punitive measures (Molho & Wu, 2021). As an illustration, engaging in direct verbal confrontation with those who have committed offenses can serve as a means to discern which behaviors are viewed as offensive, ascertain the impact experienced by victimized parties, and identify the necessary changes in the offenders’ conduct to demonstrate their concern towards those administering the reprimand. 

Moreover, in comparison to alternative intervention strategies, punishment may be more aptly employed to accomplish retributive objectives. Retribution encompasses the inclination to restore equilibrium or reciprocate harm in a manner commensurate with the gravity of the transgression (Molho & Wu, 2021). It might be contended that punishers possess more outstanding agency over the immediate consequences of their actions and can readily adapt their answers to align with the gravity of the transgression when employing confrontation against wrongdoers (Molho & Wu, 2021). In contrast, the consequences of engaging in gossip or other indirect interventions regarding an individual who has committed an offense are frequently characterized by delayed and ambiguous effects (Molho & Wu, 2021). Also, the dissemination of information through gossip, both to other individuals and potentially to the subject of the rumor, may prove challenging to regulate. This has played a vital role in many people developing positive attitudes toward punishment and negative attitudes toward indirect confrontation.

Additionally, the majority of existing research has focused on comparing individuals’ punitive responses toward offenses that directly affect themselves versus offenses that impact unfamiliar individuals (de Vel‐Palumbo et al., 2023). The consideration of the interpersonal context in which offenses occur is crucial for enhancing the ecological validity of punishment research. This is particularly important for deriving precise results regarding the frequency and application of punishment in real-world settings. Recent research has made significant progress in this area, demonstrating that individuals modulate their punitive strategies based on their level of kinship and emotional proximity to the victims (de Vel‐Palumbo et al., 2023). In accordance with the notion that individuals have greater incentives to prevent offenses that harm individuals with whom they share interdependent relationships, such as strangers, offenses committed against close relationships people like family and friends elicit comparable reactions to offenses that directly affect oneself. These reactions involve a higher likelihood of engaging in confrontational actions that come at a greater cost than offenses committed against strangers (de Vel‐Palumbo et al., 2023). People would prefer to punish people who hurt people they love in most of the cases. 

Similarly, individuals may modulate their punitive strategies based on their interpersonal connections with wrongdoers, particularly in cases when transgressions directly affect them. In particular, individuals may prefer direct confrontation with those they hold in high regard rather than gossip or ostracization (Molho & Wu, 2021). This prediction is grounded on multiple factors. Initially, it is imperative to acknowledge that there exists a multitude of benefits in modifying the conduct of esteemed counterparts with whom an individual shares forthcoming interconnectedness (Molho & Wu, 2021). For instance, parents punish their children because they want them to develop the right behavior. In contrast, there is less benefit in dedicating time and resources to readjust their conduct when there is no anticipation of future engagements with individuals who have committed offenses. Therefore, in these cases, people may not even bother punishing the offenders unless their actions directly affect them. 

Finally, emotions significantly impact people’s attitudes toward punishment and the desire to punish others. Specifically, rage and disgust have been identified as two emotions that elicit different responses when individuals encounter offensive stimuli (Ginther et al., 2022). Anger is commonly linked to approach-oriented and aggressive behaviors, whereas disgust is often observed to elicit social avoidance and the expression of condemnation to third parties. In accordance with these concepts, numerous vignette studies have demonstrated that the experience of rage following transgressions is distinctly linked to proclivities for directly punishing wrongdoers through physical and verbal confrontation (Ginther et al., 2022). In contrast, the experience of moral disgust elicited by similar transgressions is linked to a tendency to administer punishment indirectly via methods such as gossip and ostracism (Molho & Wu, 2021). The aforementioned findings are supported by research on punishment in everyday contexts, which indicates that anger is a significant predictor of both direct and indirect punitive reactions (Ginther et al., 2022). Additionally, it has been seen that disgust is particularly linked to behaviors such as gossip and ostracism.

Overall, researchers have invested a lot in understanding people’s different attitudes towards punishment and what leads to some people preferring punishment in some situations and not others. The primary purpose of punishment appears to correct behavior, although the decisions to apply it may vary in different settings. For instance, people may be less invested in correcting the behaviors of people they are not connected to. People may also try to punish people because they want retribution. This shows that the attitudes towards punishment may vary based on the offender, punisher, and the intention of the punishment. 

Method

Qualitative research can be an effective tool to understand different people’s attitudes regarding punishment. The current research used qualitative study to investigate how different people viewed punishment. The research was in the form of a structured interview with ten participants. Five of the participants were males, and the rest were females. The participants’ ages ranged between 20 and 45 years. The researchers formulated ten open-ended questions, which were then asked to the participants through telephone calls. The responses were recorded and analyzed to determine the attitudes of the different participants regarding punishment. 

Observations

The observations of the study included different responses from the different participants. 80% of the participants believed that punishment was an effective form of correcting behavior in some instances. For instance, one of the participants over the phone mentioned that “they would always support the decision of a person who has committed an assault to go to jail rather than to engage in negotiations.” 70% of the participants mentioned that they understood that emotions played a crucial role in determining the intensity of punishment the punisher intends to administer. The 30% who did not believe this inclined to the side that there were better ways of correcting behaviors than punishment. 

Discussion and Conclusion

From the observations mentioned above, it appears that most of the people have positive attitudes towards punishment. Most people who participated in the interviews mentioned that punishment was a good way of correcting behavior. In contemporary society, punishment is viewed as retribution and ensuring people abide by the set norms. That appears to have impacted people’s attitudes towards punishment, and they believe that it is the only way to maintain order in society. 

Additionally, the observations show that most people believe there are some situations where punishment may be more effective than others. For instance, punishment, guided by emotions, was mentioned to be less effective than punishment, which was a way of correcting a certain behavior. The participants in the study mentioned that it was important for people to understand why they are punishing others and the gain they get from the punishment. Different people use the evaluation to punish offenders in the world. 

In conclusion, the research shows that people have a positive attitude towards punishment as a way to control behavior. The participants in the study, however, showed concerns regarding how people punish others and the role of emotions in their punishment. People must have a positive aim when imposing punishments. They should punish people to correct behaviors and ensure that people live in a better place. Overall, the participants in the study feel that punishment is a more effective way of dealing with various offenses. The study’s limitation was that the number of participants was low. This means that the accuracy was also low. Therefore, further research should focus on dealing with a higher number of participants to determine different people’s attitudes toward punishment.

Quantitative Study on Attitudes Towards Punishment Intervention

Walyn Napper

Longwood 

Socl-345

William Burger

November 16, 2023

Quantitative Study on Attitudes Towards Punishment Intervention

The study of attitudes towards punishment intervention is a nuanced exploration into the complex ways individuals perceive and respond to punitive measures across diverse social contexts. Punishment, as a societal tool, serves multifaceted purposes, ranging from behavioral correction and order maintenance to seeking retribution for transgressions. This quantitative research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing attitudes towards punishment intervention, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of social control, cooperation, and justice.

Literature Review

A thorough examination of existing literature reveals a dynamic landscape of attitudes towards punishment. Molho and Wu (2021) accentuate the efficacy of direct confrontation as a potent form of punishment, citing its swift impact on adjusting offenders’ behavior. The immediacy and explicit connection between inappropriate behavior and punitive measures contribute to its perceived effectiveness. Conversely, alternative interventions, such as gossip and ostracism, are characterized by delayed and ambiguous effects, leading to a diversity of attitudes.

The work of De Vel-Palumbo et al. (2023) underscores the significance of considering interpersonal relationships in understanding punitive responses. Their study demonstrates that individuals modulate their punitive strategies based on kinship and emotional proximity to victims. This research highlights the importance of adopting a nuanced approach that takes into account varying degrees of punishment based on the nature of relationships, providing a more ecologically valid understanding of human responses to transgressions.

Furthermore, when compared to alternative methods of intervention, punishment may be more effectively utilized to achieve retributive goals. Retribution involves the desire to restore balance or respond to harm in a manner proportional to the severity of the transgression (Molho & Wu, 2021). It can be argued that those administering punishment have greater control over the immediate outcomes of their actions and can easily tailor their responses to match the seriousness of the transgression when confronting wrongdoers (Molho & Wu, 2021). In contrast, the outcomes of engaging in gossip or other indirect interventions related to an individual who has committed an offense are often marked by delayed and uncertain effects (Molho & Wu, 2021). Moreover, regulating the dissemination of information through gossip, both to others and potentially to the subject of the rumor, may prove challenging. This factor has played a crucial role in shaping positive attitudes toward punishment and negative attitudes toward indirect confrontation in many individuals.

Ultimately, people’s attitudes toward punishment and their inclination to punish others are significantly influenced by emotions. According to Ginther et al. (2022), anger and disgust play distinct roles in shaping responses to offensive situations.  While anger tends to be associated with assertive and aggressive behaviors, disgust more often leads to social avoidance and the expression of condemnation to the offender. Numerous studies have revealed that experiencing rage after transgressions is closely linked to a preference for directly punishing wrongdoers through physical and verbal confrontation (Srinivasan, 2018). In contrast, the experience of moral disgust in response to similar transgressions is associated with a tendency to administer punishment indirectly, employing methods such as gossip and ostracism (Molho & Wu, 2021).

These observations are supported by research on everyday punishment contexts, indicating that anger significantly predicts both direct and indirect punitive reactions (Ginther et al., 2022). Furthermore, disgust is notably connected to behaviors like gossip and ostracism. Researchers have dedicated considerable effort to understanding diverse attitudes toward punishment, exploring the factors that lead individuals to prefer punishment in certain situations over others. While the primary purpose of punishment appears to be behavioral correction, decisions to apply it can vary across different settings. For example, individuals may be less motivated to correct the behavior of those they are not connected to, and punitive actions may also be driven by a desire for retribution. This underscores the variability of attitudes toward punishment, influenced by factors such as the offender, the punisher, and the underlying intention behind the punishment.

Methods

Quantitative Research

While qualitative research provides valuable insights into individuals’ attitudes toward punishment, a quantitative approach can further enhance our understanding by assessing the prevalence and statistical significance of certain attitudes within a larger population. The aim of the quantitative phase of this research is to generalize findings from the qualitative study and identify potential patterns or correlations among different demographic groups.

Research Design 

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to gather quantitative data on attitudes toward punishment. The survey included items related to participants’ beliefs about the effectiveness of punishment, the influence of emotions on punitive decisions, and situational preferences for punishment. The questionnaire was designed based on the themes identified in the qualitative study, ensuring alignment with the research objectives.

Sampling

A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure representation across diverse demographic variables such as age, gender, and socio-economic status. The population under consideration for this study comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, reflecting various demographic characteristics and perspectives on punishment. The target population was residents of Columbia City, SC., with a total population of about 139,000 (United States Census Bureau, 2022). 

The overarching goal was to obtain a comprehensive understanding of attitudes toward punishment across different segments of society. The sampling frame was constructed using various sources, including community registries, social media platforms, and public databases. This ensured a diverse and representative pool of participants. Efforts were made to include individuals from urban and rural settings, different age groups, genders, and socio-economic strata. The sample size was determined based on statistical considerations to achieve adequate power for meaningful analysis, as shows below;

n=z2×p×(1-p)E2

Where:

• n is the required sample size,
• Z is the Z-score corresponding to the desired confidence level (e.g., 1.96 for a 95% confidence level),
• p is the estimated proportion of the population exhibiting the characteristic of interest (if unknown, a common approach is to use 0.5 for maximum variability),
• E is the desired margin of error.

The research had a 95% confidence level (Z=1.96), we’re unsure about the estimated proportion in the population (p=0.5), and we desire a margin of error of 5% (E=0.05). From this, the reasonable sample size for a target population of 139,000 would be 385 individuals. From the calculated sample size, a stratified random sampling technique was employed to categorize the population into different strata based on relevant demographic variables such as age, gender, and socio-economic status. This ensured that each subgroup was adequately represented in the final sample. Random sampling within each stratum was then conducted to select participants.

Variables

The dependent variables included participants’ attitudes toward punishment, measured on a Likert scale, as well as their demographic characteristics. Independent variables include specific factors identified in the qualitative study, such as the perceived effectiveness of punishment, emotional influences, and situational preferences.

Data Collection

Participants were recruited through various channels, including online platforms, community centers, and workplaces. The survey was administered electronically and, where necessary, through paper-based forms. To enhance reliability, a standardized approach was employed in data collection, ensuring consistency in administration and response coding.

Data Analysis

Quantitative data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, including descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Cross-tabulations and regression analyses were performed to identify associations between demographic variables and attitudes toward punishment. Statistical software, specifically R, was utilized for data analysis.

Ethical Considerations

This research will adhere to ethical standards, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. Participants were fully briefed on the study’s purpose, and their anonymity would be protected throughout the research process. Participants were provided with consent forms that fully informed them of the purpose of the study, and how the information they provided would be used. To ensure privacy and confidentiality, participants were not required to provide any personally identifiable information in the questionnaire. Additionally, all collected data was stored in a password-protected computer which only the researcher had access to. This was an additional precautionary measure to ensure the protection of data for any respondents who submitted personally identifiable information.

Implications and Significance

The quantitative phase aims to provide a broader understanding of attitudes toward punishment, identify potential predictors, and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions. The findings will inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working on issues related to cooperation, social norms, and the management of public assets.

Observations

Analysis of survey responses unveiled a spectrum of attitudes towards punishment intervention. About 81% of participants expressed a preference for direct confrontation, aligning with theoretical frameworks emphasizing its immediacy and effectiveness. The willingness to incur personal costs for punishment reflected a commitment to maintaining social order. Additionally, about 70% of the respondents acknowledged that they comprehended the significant influence of emotions in shaping the level of punishment that the person administering the punishment intends to impose. However, intriguing variations in attitudes were observed, underscoring the need for nuanced interpretations that account for individual differences and cultural influences.

Discussion

This section delves into the multifaceted nature of attitudes towards punishment intervention, unravelling various dimensions illuminated by the quantitative study. One noteworthy revelation from the findings is the prevalent understanding among participants regarding the pivotal role emotions play in influencing the intensity of punishment envisioned by the punisher.

This acknowledgment by approximately 70% of the participants underscores the recognition of the intricate interplay between emotional states and punitive inclinations. The understanding that emotions act as a determining factor in shaping the severity of punishment aligns with broader psychological theories on decision-making and social behavior. Emotions, particularly anger and disgust, have been identified as influential drivers in the decision to administer punishment (Lerner et al. 2015). The study’s participants seem to grasp the nuanced ways in which emotional responses contribute to the formulation of punitive measures.

The observed consensus on the relevance of emotions also prompts further exploration into the specific emotions that individuals associate with punishment. While the study touched upon rage and disgust as emotions linked to different punitive responses, a more nuanced investigation could provide insights into how various emotions shape preferences for direct confrontation or indirect interventions like gossip and ostracism. Such an exploration would deepen our understanding of the emotional underpinnings of punitive attitudes.

Moreover, the study extends to the implications of these findings for real-world scenarios and policy considerations. If a substantial portion of the population recognizes the impact of emotions on punishment intensity, it prompts questions about the fairness and impartiality of punitive actions. The potential biases introduced by emotional states may warrant a closer examination in legal and judicial contexts, urging policymakers to consider strategies for mitigating the influence of emotions in decision-making processes related to punishment.

The findings also emphasize the need for future research to explore cultural nuances in attitudes towards punishment, as the study’s participants represent a diverse sample. Cultural factors can significantly shape how emotions are expressed, perceived, and linked to punitive actions. By understanding cultural variations, we can refine interventions and policies that resonate with diverse perspectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of attitudes towards punishment intervention. The quantitative approach employed offers a systematic exploration of individual preferences and their underlying factors. Moving forward, further research should delve deeper into the cultural nuances influencing attitudes, exploring the potential for interventions that align with diverse perspectives. Understanding attitudes towards punishment is not only essential for refining theoretical frameworks but also for informing policies that promote social cohesion, justice, and effective social control.

Article Critique: Attitudes towards Punishment Intervention

Walyn Napper

William Burger 

SOCL-345

September 18, 2023

Article Critique: Attitudes towards Punishment Intervention

Introduction

Various people consider punishments an effective method of controlling deviant behavior—one of the main forms of punishment in criminology incarceration. Thousands of people in American prisons serve different levels of sentences. The article by Dunlea and Heiphetz (2020) involves research regarding how people perceive detention and other forms of punishment. They also compare how adults and children perceive punishment and the various factors influencing their views. 

Type of Research Design

The study in the article mentioned above involved two studies: study 1 and study 2. Both studies employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to examine the origins and evolution of conceptions connected to punishment. In the first study, participants of varying age groups, including children and adults, were asked to provide a descriptive response on the concept of prison or jail (Dunlea & Heiphetz, 2020). Following this, they were then required to utilize a Likert-type scale to express their level of agreement regarding the reasons for which individuals are incarcerated. This study employed a unified paradigm to assess both children and adults, aiming to ascertain the enduring and evolving aspects of punishment conceptions throughout different stages of development. Study 2 expanded upon the findings of Study 1 by investigating the potential impact of varied social experiences during childhood on the development of early-formed notions of punishment. Study 2 was conducted with the aim of examining the influence of parental incarceration on children’s perceptions of punishment. The participants included children who had jailed parents as well as children whose parents were not incarcerated (Dunlea & Heiphetz, 2020). Both studies played a crucial role in answering the main research question: the difference between how children and parents view punishment. 

Findings

From the results of the two studies, similar to adults, children also expressed agreement with and independently formed behavioral justifications for incarceration. In contrast, it was shown that kids exhibited a higher tendency than adults to ascribe the act of incarceration to internal attributes. Both children and adults did not report that incarceration results from societal-level causes such as poverty. Children with jailed parents, similar to children whose parents were not incarcerated, exhibited a greater tendency to attribute the reasons for individuals’ involvement with the justice system to internal and behavioral causes rather than societal factors (Dunlea & Heiphetz, 2020).

Additionally, the results show that people are most likely to relate punishment to behavior rather than morality and intent (Dunlea & Heiphetz, 2020). For instance, if a person has behaved in a way that is viewed as good and had bad intentions, they are not punished for their punishments. On the other hand, if a person misbehaves according to societal norms and brings out a positive outcome, they are punished for their behavior. From the study, both children agree that this is the right form of punishment. Also, according to the study, people are not punished because of social issues like poverty and race. Instead, people are punished because of their individual behaviors. 

Further Research

One of the questions which can be answered through further research is how people of different races view punishment. In the criminal justice system, it is clear that black people are more affected by incarceration than white people. Therefore, there is a high probability they may have a different attitude and view towards punishment. They may feel that apart from the behavioral factors, punishments are influenced by social factors like poverty. 

Another research question that may arise is how effective punishment is in correcting deviant behavior. The research has presented the various things people perceive are worthy of punishment and how social experiences impact how children view punishment. This raises the central question of whether people will change if they are punished for their behaviors or internal factors. Further research should use qualitative or quantitative study methods to answer this question. 

Overall Contribution to Sociology

The article discussed above has various contributions to understanding sociology. First, the study shows how the way children are raised impacts how they view multiple things in society, like punishment in the form of incarceration (Dunlea & Heiphetz, 2020). The study shows that children whose parents were incarcerated view punishment in a different way from those whose parents have never been incarcerated (Dunlea & Heiphetz, 2020). The children whose parents have been incarcerated view punishment as based on the behaviors of individuals as the proper punishment, but the punishment based on morality and intent is not right. Those raised by parents who have never been incarcerated view punishment as being based on internal factors like intention and character. This significantly impacts how to shape the children’s understanding of punishment and its role in society. 

Additionally, the article shows how important understanding the concept of punishment is and the factors that influence it. From the article’s view, most people support punishment based on behaviors and not their outcomes (Dunlea & Heiphetz, 2020). This shows that people do not care much about the outcomes of their actions but the actions themselves. If someone killed another person, society believes that that person deserves a punishment even if they defended themselves. This understanding is essential in knowing how to educate people about the circumstances that deserve punishment and which do not. Through this, people can be educated on how to not only rely on behaviors to punish people but also to consider internal factors like the intent and moral standing of the person. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the above article is a great one with a good research design to answer the research question. The study shows that children and parents have similar perceptions of punishment. However, social experiences may impact how some children view punishment., This article provides essential information in understanding how people view punishment and creates the basis for promoting a better understanding of punishment and when it should be used. 

Although I only had one class where I could find the right information for this assignment, I learned a lot from the methodology standpoint of things. Methodology in sociology has a variety of ways to be used through quantitative/qualitative research, sampling methods, nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio levels of measurement. Throughout this course my professor helped me to better learn what is to research a particular topic and, in this course, we researched a topic. When researching the topic “Attitudes Towards Punishment” we had to conduct research to find out how people feel about this topic. We had to use the quantitative and qualitative research method and now we gave out questionnaires to get feedback from the community. After this project I learned how to better word my writing when conducting research and what methods to use such as sampling and measurements. Before taking this course, I did not know what it meant to research a topic and use the right methods to find the right information and now my writing is way better preparing me for the real world. Being able to now discuss and write in a more professional way is a great thing for me heading down the road for my job someday, when it comes to researching something and having no problem with writing it. I am more sociological intact in my writing and word choice and have a deeper understanding of what is to research.