For this project you will design a research study consisting of a literature review, data analysis,
conclusions, and a presentation.
You can choose the focus of your paper. Some ideas for the focus of your paper include:

Mass murder dataset:
-What factors lead to mass murder offenses?
-Variables you may want to look at for this question include a history of bullying,
an affair, a robbery, etc.
-Who are the perpetrators of mass murders?
-Variables you may want to look at for this question include race, gender, history
of mental illness, etc.

Fatal police shootings dataset:
-What are the demographic factors of people killed by police?
-Variables you may want to look at for this question include age, race, gender,
history of mental illness, etc.
-What are the case circumstances surrounding police shootings?
– Variables you may want to look at for this question include mental illness, threat
level, whether the suspect was fleeing, etc.
What should be included in your research project?

1.) An introduction and literature review- This where you will give a background on
your topic. First, please review the lecture posted titled “How to Write a Literature
Review” for guidance on how to write your literature review. Second, please review
the sample literature review that I have posted on Canvas.
Your introduction and literature review should be a minimum of three pages long.
Throughout the semester, I will review anything you have related to your literature
review- an outline, a couple of paragraphs, or even a full literature review. I would
also be happy to just chat about finding resources or getting off the ground.

2.) A data analysis- Using a dataset, you will analyze data. This can be any type of
analysis you would like, including a simple description of the data. For example, what
percentage of the sample was male and female? What was the average age of people
who were killed? On average, how many victims died?
Your data analysis should be a minimum of one page long.
In Canvas, I have uploaded a video with some strategies on how to analyze data.

3.) A conclusion- After conducting your analysis, you will write a conclusion of your
findings. Your conclusion should link your findings back to your literature review.
For example, if prior research has found that, on average, 5 people are killed in a
mass shooting, what did this dataset show? Why do you think your findings were the
same or different? Your conclusion should be a minimum of one page long.

4.) A presentation- Finally, you will be conducting a presentation on your literature
review and analysis. The presentation should be approximately 10 minutes long.
There are many resources you can use to record audio or video over your presentation
including Powerpoint and Zoom. Alternatively, you can use a medium like Zoom
where you create your presentation and then present this to me live. Please let me
know if there is another resource that you would like to use so that I can ensure I have
access to it. I will post instructions on Powerpoint and Zoom presentation