1)Discuss_the_Relationship_Between_Social_Theory_and_Empirical_Research_in_Relation_to_the_Article_Written_by_D’Ovidio,_R.,_Mitman,_T._Et_Al._(2009)

For one to ascertain the relationship between social theory and empirical research one needs to define the two. Primarily social theory is a supposition utilized to study and decipher social phenomena. More specifically, sociological theory endeavours to bestow a systematic way of thinking with regards to several sociological problems or issues such as social progression or social change for example. One could argue that a social scientist’s most suitable surmise with regards to the inherent nature of a particular society is based on official, validated observation collaborated with experimental analysis. This is where the research comes into action as to interpret or construct sociological theory, one needs primarily to test the validity of the proposed theory or one is required to conduct a piece of research which, may result in one procuring a theory. Empirical research is predominantly based firstly on experimentation and secondly on observation. Empirical research is administered to answer ones particular question or to examine or test ones hypothesis. D’Ovidio’s study focuses on whether adult-child sex advocated websites are utilized socially to cultivate learning environments for criminalisation. “This study reports on a content analysis of 64 websites that promote, advocate, and convey information in support of sexual relationships between adults and children to determine whether these sites were structured as learning environments for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.” D’Ovidio D’Ovidio conducted this empirical research in order to discover whether or not the content of specific websites encourage, support and communicate information sustaining sexual relations between adult and children. He endeavoured to decipher whether these particular websites were designed to indoctrinate individuals with regards to illegal activity including the sexual exploitation of minors. ‘Specifically, we examine how adult-child sex advocacy websites are structured to foster social relationships and interaction among adults interested in sexual relationships with children.’ The notion that paedophilia is unfortunately apparent whitin society requires one to address the issue within society. However this piece of research investigates arguably the wider implications and underlying fuel of this societal issue. D’Ovidio’s theory negates that these websites are learning environments for individuals, which may or may not lead to individuals repeating this learnt behaviour. Theory is imperative for social research as social research is the scientific study of society however more importantly it investigates the perspectives of society and their assumption, trends and stratifications therefore without theory social research is unable to be conducted. This can be detrimental for society for example this empirical research study focuses on websites, which may or may not cultivate criminal behaviour if D’Ovidio’s proposed theory of these websites are proven it can enable a beneficial method of how society addresses this problem. ‘Given the present findings, the courts and community corrections officials should consider expanding restrictions put on the Internet use of offenders released on parole and defendants on probation to include adult-child sex advocacy websites.’ So one is able to comprehend how theory is fundamental for social research as it provides a catalyst for research. Computers and related networking technologies have created new opportunities for those looking to sexually exploit children (D’Ovidio & O’Leary, 2006; Durkin, 1997; Taylor & Quayle, 2003). Next, we report the results and discuss the findings and implications for the criminal justice system. The authors required a theory to primarily conduct their research. One ascertained according to the research that there was an overall theory. ‘Specifically, we analysed these sites to determine their capacity for fostering social ties among people who favour sexual relationships between children and adults…We also analysed these websites for the presence of content that can neutralize psychological restraints against crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.” With the authors utilizing this concept as a tool to extract the required information they were able to examine all 64 websites carefully to decipher whether they met the criteria with regards to what they were investigating. In terms of the impact on practice within the criminal justice system, our findings can guide courts and community corrections officials when setting release conditions on Internet use for offenders being released on parole and defendants being released on probation for sex crimes involving children. Restrictions on computer and Internet use for sex offenders who act against minors are regularly Imposed by the courts and have been upheld on appeal on many occasions The theories used to conduct this study, has informed the emeprical research significantly. One ascertains that the relationship between theory and research is an imperative one as without it relevant information is unable to be gathered. The author concluded that as a result of this research ‘the courts should consider banning people who are under the supervision of a community corrections agency for sex crimes against minors from using adult-child sex advocacy websites.’ According to D’Ovidio () this ban may perhaps reduce the criminogenic concerns of unveiling supporters of these particular websites to similar individuals.