Methodology
Research Approach
The current study shall take on a qualitative research approach in determining the influence of family factors on juvenile delinquency in Kuwait. A qualitative research approach has several advantages. It allows for a profound investigation of the phenomenon based on the phenomenology of the subject himself (Bernard 2005). In effect, it goes beyond the structured form of a survey questionnaire where responses are fixed and thus does not permit the respondent to elaborate on his answers. However, qualitative approaches also have drawbacks. They are more tedious in terms of both data gathering and data analysis compared to quantitative methodologies (Denzin Lincoln 2003).
Qualitative research attaches great premium to the phenomenology of human experience. It takes into consideration the views, opinions, and perspective of the individual as a research unit or subject of interest (Grover Glazier 1985). Fidel (1993) further notes that qualitative research does not control its subjects. It tends to be integrative highly keen on the setting in which the behaviour occurs is engaged with the subject of the study (Mahoney Goertz 2006). There is contention, on the basis of these traits that they lean more in being epistemological rather than method or process oriented. Moreover, Morgan Smirchich (1980) note that epistemology deals more with a subjectivist stance in interpreting phenomena, in contrast with epistemology, which is more strongly anchored on positivism. This distinction is attested to by the association between the researcher and the participant who is the subject of interest. Direct observation in the setting where the subject moves about, interviews, narratives, and focus group discussions are but some of the methods classified under this approach. Case studies may also be carried out under this approach. It is important that the researcher is open minded and flexible, to be effective at gathering qualitative data (Denzin Lincoln 2005).
The quantitative research approach, in contrast, is based on experiments and numerical data. These typically rely on survey responses as empirical, primary data sources. The quantitative research approach relies on a structured, systematic way of gathering data, with clear parameters on variable measurements and subsequent analysis. This approach is heavily reliant on statistical analyses (Mahoney Goertz 2006). However, one constraint of the quantitative research approach is its limitation or inability to dig more deeply into the responses of the participant. The answer of the respondent is coded numerically the reasons or the rationale behind the response is not understood unless follow-up methodologies such as focus group discussions or interviews are carried out (Balnaves Caputi 2001).
Moreover, quantitative data is characterized by statistics, experiments, and survey data. It requires the gathering of responses which are translated into numbers, and subsequently analyzed through statistics. Conclusions are entirely based on the statistical results that will be garnered through hypotheses testing. The validity of the responses is determined by the level of measurement of data the soundness of the tools employed for measurement the appropriateness and power of the test employed and methodological limitations of the research design (Mahoney Goertz 2006).
The instruments that are used in a quantitative approach are considered to be more rigid than those utilized in the qualitative approach. The questions, moreover, are more direct to the point and do not lend themselves to probing, except when open ended questions are included in the survey questionnaire.
A survey is data collection method that gives data on the traits, behaviour, or perspectives of a vast population. Analysis may concentrate on giving approximations regarding the group of variables being studied, and is delivered in a direct, explicative manner. A survey must also intend to collect information using preset questions only, which are addressed to a chosen representative sample. Responses obtained must be subjected to statistical analysis, where significance is established afterwards (Ornstein 1998).
Given the advantages and disadvantages of these research approaches, the researcher decided to adopt a qualitative research approach. He is more concerned about the in-depth analysis of the juvenile delinquents rather than establishing a statistical relationship among the variables involved. With this intent in mind, the more appropriate approach ought to be qualitative, specifically the conduct of semi-structured interviews and observations. Since the researcher also wants to study the context in which the juvenile delinquents exist, he shall also conduct ethnographic observations within the facility, before and after the conduct of semi-structured interviews.
Research Design
The study adopts an exploratory, descriptive, cross sectional research design. It is exploratory considering the dearth of empirical researches that particularly discuss the topic of family factors and their influence on juvenile delinquency. The study is also considered descriptive since it intends to describe the 1) family size 2) educational level 3) social class of the family family income and 4) attachment to parents of the juvenile delinquents in Kuwait. These factors shall be thematically analyzed so that their relationship with juvenile delinquency may be ascertained. Finally, the research design is said to be cross sectional since it measures the variables of interest at one point in time thus, the longitudinal effects of the independent variables is not established (Ruane 2003).
The study may also be classified as case study research, with each juvenile delinquent serving as a unit of interest. The research particularly makes use of the ethnographic methods in carrying out the research. Ethnography involves the immersion of the researcher in the context in which the subjects live or exist, and participates implicitly or implicitly in the activities of the subjects being investigated (Rubin, Rubin, Piele 2005). It also involves collecting data in the process through interviews and observations. Validation is further done by going back to the subjects (Hammersley Atkinson 1995).
Subjects and Sampling Plan
The population of interest is composed of juvenile delinquents in Kuwait, aged 13-18 years old. However, for pragmatic reasons, only a sample of this population of interest shall be enlisted in the present research. Purposive sampling shall be used to select the participants to the research. Purposive sampling is a type of non-probability sampling technique where the participant has to meet certain characteristics to be included in the sample (Teddie Tashakkori 2009). These inclusion criteria, in the context of the current study are as follows 1) should be a juvenile delinquent aged 13-18 years old 2) should be a Kuwaiti national by birth and 3) should have submitted a parental consent form, indicating the permission of his parents to participate in the research.
There shall be a total of 25 juvenile delinquent participants who shall be enlisted in the present study. They shall be randomly selected from a list of juvenile delinquents which has been prepared by the management of their facility. The researcher will endorse inclusion criteria to the management of the facility to ensure that they all meet these requirements. It is from the list that the researcher shall carry out random selection of the 25 prospective interviewees.
Procedure
The researcher began by gathering pertinent literature on the topic, collating books, journal articles, and online sources which are pertinent to the topic. In searching for online sources, the following search terms were entered onto search databases, juvenile delinquency, juvenile delinquency in Kuwait, family factors and juvenile delinquency and determinants of juvenile delinquency. The hits that were generated were assessed, selecting those materials that are peer reviewed, or which came from other reputable sources such as government reports. All the materials were synthesized systematically to form the review of related literature. These make up the secondary data collection of the research.
The researcher shall then send a permission letter to the management of facilities which rehabilitate juvenile delinquents. Once permission has been solicited, the researcher shall endorse the inclusion criteria to the management of these facilities so they may generate a list of juvenile delinquents who conform to these criteria. The list that shall be received will be the basis of the researcher for randomly selecting the 25 interviewees.
The semi-structured interview will be drafted by the researcher, covering the variables of interest, namely, 1) family size 2) educational level 3) social class of the family family income and 5) attachment to parents. These five variables are the family factors that are independent variables focused on in the study. Moreover, juvenile delinquency, which is the sole dependent variable, shall also be inquired about in the semi-structured interview.
To ensure the soundness of the questions that will be asked of the juvenile respondents, the instrument shall undergo content validation through a subject matter expert. By definition, content validity pertains to a state where the instrument measures what it has been designed to assess. Thus, sound content validity ensures the subsequent validity of the responses that the instrument shall yield (Ruane 2003).
Simultaneous with the establishment of the content validity of the instrument, the researcher shall send out letters to the parents of the juvenile delinquents, soliciting their permission for their children to participate in the study as interviewees. The letters shall be sent through officially through the management of the facility in which the delinquent is enrolled. The parents are instructed to append their signatures onto the consent form to explicitly give their consent to their childs participation. Once the accomplished consent forms are received, the researcher shall coordinate with the manager of the facility to set interview schedules.
The researcher shall establish rapport with the juvenile delinquents and open the interview with questions that will help them feel at ease with the interviewer. Such rapport is critical to gather candid, substantial responses to the interview questions (Denzin Lincoln 2003). Before the interview begins, the researcher shall informally ask the juvenile delinquent if he permits the researcher to do note taking during the interview or to tape the interview through a tape recorder. The researcher shall use the documentation approved of by the interviewee. The interview proper shall be conducted based on the semi-structured interview guide prepared by the researcher however, probing questions shall be asked as necessary, to give the respondents the opportunity to clarify or elaborate their responses further. If there shall be issues about comprehending English, the interview questions shall be delivered in their native language.
The interview responses of all 25 interviewees shall be transcribed and the interview transcripts shall be the basis for thematic analysis. The latter prescribes the identification of common themes across responses to derive meaningful conclusions from the qualitative data (Denzin Lincoln 2003).Conclusions and recommendations shall be formulated following thematic analyses, towards addressing the original objectives put forth by the research.
Along with the interview responses, the researcher shall also conduct informal observation sessions in the facility, to be able to take note of the behaviours of the juvenile delinquents. This is in accordance with the intent to use ethnographic methodologies in the current study. The data from observations and interviews shall be merged, for more meaningful data analysis and substantive conclusions on the influence of family factors on juvenile delinquency.
Instrument
The main instrument for primary data gathering is a semi structured interview. Since the qualitative approach is used, each variable is investigated through specific interview questions.
To inquire about their juvenile delinquency, the interviewees shall be asked how they were enrolled into the facility. They will be asked to narrate the incidents that lead their parents to enlist them as a juvenile delinquent.
The independent variables will also be investigated through interview questions. For family size, the interviewees shall be asked about how many siblings he or she has and how this has influenced his current status as a juvenile delinquent. He will also be asked a hypothetical question, When you get married, how many children do you intend to have Why. Another variable is educational level. The interviewee will be asked about the educational level of both parents and how his parents relate to him. They shall likewise be asked about the importance of education from their own perspective. They shall also be asked, Given the chance, would you like to graduate from college and get a college degree Why A last question inquires about their opinions about the effects of education on juvenile delinquency, both their own educational attainment and that of their parents. The social class of the family shall also be inquired about by asking them if they belonged to low, middle or high socio-economic class. For very young respondents, this question may be modified, to ask about whether they are poor, middle class, or wealthy. A hypothetical question shall also be asked, If you had more financial sources or many, what do you think would have happened to you They shall also be asked if they ever felt that they needed more money at any point and if this need has compelled them to commit delinquent behaviours. Finally, attachment to parents shall be investigated by asking them how their dealings are with their parents. They shall be asked if they have a good relationship with their parents, and if they are attached to them. They shall be asked to describe incidents or behaviours that show attachment on one hand, and indifference, on the other.
Ethics
There are several measures that were taken to ensure that the interviewees were ethically treated. Consent was garnered from the parents of the participants, acknowledging that most of them are minors. Another significant research moral principle that has been exercised is keeping the confidentiality of the participants, and keeping their private information secure. Respect for the humans and avoiding making judgments and prejudices against the participants must also be exercised, as these are requisites for ethical research (Gregory 2003). Yet another ethical measure that has been followed is informing the interviewees that they may opt to withdraw their participation from the survey at any time. They are free to choose to complete the interview process or to cease from answering questions for whatever reason. The researcher likewise offers the option of delivering the questions in their native language, to ensure complete comprehension of the questions.
Method of Data Analysis
Thematic analysis shall be used for analyzing the qualitative data that are yielded form the interviews. This analysis entails the identification of common themes from the interview responses. In cases when there is a sizable number of interviewees, the frequency of the responses falling under a particular category is noted. This is done to facilitate the determination of predominant responses (Boyatzis 1998). These themes are analyzed side by side with the outcomes of previous, related empirical researches.
Limitations
The study has certain methodological limitations. First, the study uses only qualitative methodology, and thus, it is more difficult to replicate in lieu of the subjective interpretation that is inherent in this research approach. There is also a limitation with the number of juvenile delinquents who have been interviewed, which only totalled 25. This constraint is due to the tedium and time required for accomplishing and analyzing interviews, as compared to survey questionnaires. One other methodological limitation is the honesty or candidness of the interviewers. There is a possibility of giving socially desirable responses, which may have implications on the validity of the results.
Conclusion
The present study adopts a qualitative study, specifically using a descriptive, exploratory study to investigate the influence of family factors on juvenile delinquency. An ethnographic, case study methodology shall be adopted, with the researcher carrying out observations and interviews with the subjects. Thematic analysis shall be done to analyse the data from observations and interviews. Substantive conclusions shall be derived from the qualitative data.
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