Week 3 - Drugs, Alcohol, and Crime

Week 3

Drugs, Alcohol, and Crime

The discussion assignment provides a forum for discussing relevant topics for this week on the basis of the course competencies covered.

Inferences: Drugs, Alcohol, and Crime

From the South University Online Library, read the following article:

• Trends in Alcohol Use, Cocaine Use, and Crime: 1989–1998 (Also available as a PDF).

On the basis of your readings, address the following questions:

• How did the authors study the correlation between drugs, alcohol, and crime? What sampling techniques were used to identify subjects for this study?
• What were the authors’ findings and conclusions? How did the sampling methods impact the generalizability of the study? How did this article improve your knowledge of drugs, alcohol, and crime?
• Identify two issues with the methodology that might limit the use of this study to direct public policy concerning drugs and crime.

Note: The journal article describes a model; you are requested to assess the viability and practicality of that model in other contexts.