Research Methods in Computer Science

Unit 5: Midterm Project

CJ 490: Research Methods in Criminal Justice

4/22/2012

Abstract Section:

Introduction

Teenagers start using marijuana for many reasons. Curiosity and the desire to fit into a social group are common reasons. Teenagers who take drugs do not get along with their parents. Some have a network of friends who use drugs and urge them to do the same (peer pressure). All aspects of a teenager’s environment home, school, and neighborhoods help to determine whether they will use marijuana or other drugs. Teenagers who become more heavily involved with marijuana can become dependent, and that is their prime reason for using the drug. Others mention psychological coping as a reason for their use to deal with anxiety, anger, depression, boredom, and so forth. Marijuana use is not an effective method for coping with life's problems, and staying high can be a way of simply not dealing with the problems and challenges of growing up. Also, researchers have found that teenagers both male and female who are physically and sexually abused are at greater risk than other young people of using marijuana and other drugs and of beginning drug use at an earlier age.

Problem statement is Teenage Marijuana use.  The dependent variable is marijuana.  The independent variable is family structure, discipline, parental supervision, and education can help influence teenagers in a positive way and may prevent teens from using marijuana to deal with their issues.

Background: Public concern about increased marijuana use by teenagers in the community. Unfortunately none of my previous research projects are related to this topic. The first project is about the rise of marijuana use in the United States by teenagers, while the alcohol usage continues to decrease. The study was conducted at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research and funded since its inception in 1975, under a series of research grants...