An Analysis of Struggle for Peace: Examining the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the

of extreme gun violence. This research will be able to establish a clear, comprehensive and

proficient analysis that will entail the primary reasons behind the significant amount of gun

violence in the states.

Further, this research will provide mechanisms that can be implemented to reduce this

violence. The recommendations will be based from the society members’ point of view and also

from the challenges experienced finding the ultimate best solution for the affected regions.

Besides, this research will examine the Gun Control Act of 1968 and look at ways that this policy

can be utilized and enforced to combat this menace. Further, the study will explore the

Brady Violence Act of 1993 and see ways that this established act can be able to help reduce gun

violence. Evidently, there is enormous importance to conduct this research and develop the

proper methodologies to combat the weapon violence menace.

Theoretical Framework

In qualitative research methodology, a researcher is needed to incorporate a theory that

guides the research study. It helps to guide the research process and make appropriate and

fundamental decisions in the study (Monette et al., 2011). In this study, it is imperative to

understand the stimulus, impacts and consequences of gun violence. Theories offer clear and

comprehensive explanations of events and reasons for existing actions and happenings.

Frameworks integrate ideas, concepts and constructs to provide meaningful and practical

answers at each level, as a result, this research study entailed social contract theory. The model of

this theory tells that every American citizen has a role and a duty to play in keeping peace and

order to promote social, political and economic growth. Social contract theory explains that every

citizen has a role to play in appreciation of offered goods and services. Citizens are accorded

rights and freedoms by the government, and it is their duty to utilize them in the absolute best

manner. Among the roles include community policing to ensure gun control measures are well

followed and structured. The social, ecological model entails that gun violence is best or rather

can be examined via the social, ecological model. This model utilizes four levels of influence to

describe a framework that can determine factors placing a person at risk of gun violence. The

individual or intrapersonal level control entails that the strong feelings of anger and resentment

that cause a person to violently using a gun. Interpersonal level influence, the person makes an

announcement or creates awareness to a group of individuals before conducting the gun violence

crime. Community or society level influence entails where the societal members advocate for

safe and appropriate child raising to prevent any cases of gun violence. It includes individual

responsibility and cultivating the mind of the child during growth and development. The fourth

framework level entails the societal level influence considering the media offering significant

platform to educate members of the society of the importance.

The following terms were associated with the project study and were thereby included in

the research:

Second Amendment: this is the second amendment of the constitution that guarantees the right to

keep and bear arms. This branch explains that a state militia has the right to hold and use

weapons to the security of a free state.

Background Checks: this demands every person who buys a gun from licensed dealers to undergo

a background check as needed by the federal law. The Brady Violation Act of 1998

enlightens that more than 40% of gun transactions are done without background checks in the

states.

30% of Americans indicated that they know someone in their neighborhood who owns a gun.

Federal laws prevent a complete track of guns sales and thereby the government is unable to

account the exact number of gun owners in the United States.

High-Capacity Magazine: these are guns that hold high number of ammunition (over 10

bullets) and allow the use of semi-automatic techniques such as Bushmasters permitting a high

rate of firing.

Automatic: this refers to the practice whereby the action of firing is repeated once the trigger is

held down.

Semi-Automatic: refers to a situation where a weapon has an own loading action and hence each

pull of trigger results to firing a down range.

Assault Weapons: this term refers to semi and fully automated weapons that incorporate a

detachable magazine and may include pistol grip. In certain occasions, they are specialized to

allow flash suppressor and barrel shroud. Flash suppressor increases the visibility for the shooter

hence increasing the accuracy.

Straw man Purchase: an action that occurs when a person is obtained a gun by an individual

who lives in a legalized state because the initial buyer lives in banned states. It is a major

loophole in the American gun control policies.

Private Party Transfer: this refers to a situation whereby one person owns a gun and lends to

other persons for a fee.

Gun Show Loophole: unlawful transfer or exchange of weapons between or amongst people

whereby one of the parties does not qualify legally to use a gun probably due to mental health,

drug use or any other relevant reason under the law.

Significance of the Study

Significance at National level

The purpose of this comprehensive research study is to understand the American struggle

for peace examining the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Brady Violence Act of 1993. My

reason for writing this paper is to examine the main causes and challenges associated or rather

leading to gun violence and utilizing these factors be capable of providing useful

recommendations that will reduce gun violence and instead promote peace and stability in the

American nation. This paper will discuss the nature of the United States principally for the

reasons that have caused increased gun violence. The objective of writing this document is to

ensure that the federal laws implemented are well enforced, and any other appropriate

recommendations that this research will acquire are put in place and applied to build a better

America. The implementation of the Gun Control Act of 1968 would be active in the pursuit of

reducing gun abuse. It is because the law is primarily set for the rules American FFL’s adhere or

follow during the sales and purchases of a weapon by a private buyer. In addition to this, the

legislation provides restrictions on the types of people allowed to buy a gun or trade. The Brady

Violation Act is appropriate in that it incorporates a background check for every buyer at each

particular time to hinder or rather prevent any instances of usage for wrong purposes (Monroe,

2008). The impact of gun violence is visible at the national level. Violent society means that

people are unable to work and, therefore, less income. Consequently, the government has less

revenue to inject into the economy in the form of taxes and other revenues. It will lead to a

slower economic growth or even reduction. Further the government is unable to provide essential

services to its citizens who are the primary objective or function of the government. Indeed, the

significance of reducing gun violence is evident at a national level.

The primary objective of this paper is to consider appropriate measures that will provide

the social change in the American society and affect them positively. This research will discuss

the steps undertaken by the federal government to control and regulate unlicensed movements

and ownership of guns in the states. The aim of this research is to create a conducive environment

of peace and harmony and create awareness on the importance of a civilized society. The need to

establish public awareness in the quest to provide the social change in a positive impacting

manner. Therefore, there is the intention of creating a harmonious environment where every

American Society member feels accepted and able to conduct all his affairs in the right manner.

The reason I am doing this research is to identify the loopholes that are in existence despite the

established federal laws of gun regulations. Therefore, there are short term and long term goals,

and the aims of conducting this research study and the objective are to ensure that the survey

brings social differences and modifications that promote peace that steers growth and

development in the American soil. This study is significant because it offers immediate care and

consideration to the American communities with an aim of social change. This research can

provide appropriate recommendations that keep guns out of the wrong hands through conducting

appropriate background checks via the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF). In

addition to this, this study recommends on the enforcement of the federal police and investigators

to overhaul background checks to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness. Additionally,

this research is appropriate because it can provide mechanisms that keep our societies safe from

gun violence. This research advocates on increased health centers that oversee the mental health

status of people to reduce cases of mass shootings. The study promotes background recheck and

enforcement of gun control laws. These are inclusive of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the

Brady Violation Act of 1993. The significance of this problem is also evident at the national

level. Ensuring peace and stability at the national level will promote the economic growth of the

nation because it entails working peacefully and developing the team and therefore growth and

development are likely to occur at a higher rate. At society level, peace ensures infrastructure

development and steer community policing. People can relate well with the authorities and with

one another.

The care and concern shown amongst society members are essential because it helps to

bring unity and promote teamwork and in that capacity, the community can solve the problems

affecting them in a peaceful manner and focus on social achievements rather individual goals.

As conferred by Noble (2002), social change is an activity that involves creating ways,

strategies, and methodologies that promote and improve the standard of living of society

members, their cultural norms, and their surroundings to better their livelihoods. On similar

bases, Weinstein and Weinstein (2010), enlightens that social change is “any significant

alteration over time in behavior patterns and cultural values and norms that will structure their

living.” The need to improve the standards of life of the society is fundamental in this research.

This study is able to provide appropriate and suitable recommendations that oversee the reduction

of gun violence in the neighborhoods. It prevents and hinders cases of depression growth with

teens and also fear of conducting business. In addition to reducing cases of despair and

hopelessness, this study focuses on eliminating illegal gun ownership in the society and thereby

promoting peaceful and harmonious methodologies of solving challenges that affect the

community. The principal goal of conducting this research was to bring social change in the

American society, installing the mindset of peace and not violence, the mentality of development

and not retrogression, making the United States of America a better place than it is today

(Sztompka, 1994).

This research study is aimed at analyzing the struggle for peace examining the Gun

Control Act of 1968 and the Brady Violence Act of 1993. As a result, the following are the

assumptions made in this research study;

 There is a definite relationship between ownership of firearms and gun violence in the

United States of America.

 Gun violence is a huge menace that has been affecting the American society for an extended

period.

through advocating on firearms control strategies.

 The community members have a role to play in reducing gun violence in the states and also

in ensuring that there are peace and harmony in the society.

As described by Munhall and Chenail (2008), limitations are shortcomings or conditions

that places restrictions on the methodology used and which cannot be controlled by the

researcher. These influences affect the analysis of data and consequently the results. It is the role

of the researcher to find appropriate measures that will help him and the members involved to

remain focused and aimed at achieving the primary objectives of the research study. However,

limitations cause a study to be complicated and difficult to undertake. They lead to more time

consumption and leading the study being more expensive due to the utilization of other

methodologies that are ineffective or rather inefficient. Taking this into consideration the

following were the obvious limitations in the research project;

The research project was expensive and time-consuming to acquire and analyze large

amounts of data. It is because it was difficult to automate qualitative data and thereby less

efficient but effective. It consequently demanded more time to examine and analyze the data. In

addition to this, in order to acquire reliable information, there is a need to source data from

different elements or people so that adequate deductions and recommendations can be made from

the findings. It is time-consuming and labor demanding.

According to Utter (2000), the federal law prohibits the government from tracking every

gun sale, and this made it difficult to identify or understand the number of guns at every location.

It was challenging in that it proved difficult to confident assumptions regarding certain situations,

for instance, the number of guns in a household is 40% the population of the society. On a similar

basis Webster and Vernick (2013), explains that it proofs difficult to acquire reliable data that

can help make adequate and dependable recommendations. It is a drawback because this research

ought to provide measures that will help cultivate and produce a social change in the American

society, and, therefore, accuracy is appropriate while conducting this research.

Identifying the objectives and goals of the research is fundamental and relevant because it

helps in ensuring that the researcher keeps on track following the correct path without deviating

to achieve his aim. Remaining focused is the most fundamental thing to keep track of making

every step in an efficient manner (Miles and Huberman, 1994).The objective of this study is to

examine the role of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Brady Violation Act of 1993 and the

impact of these acts in reducing gun violence in the United States. Further, this research examines

how the establishment of these policies is helping combat the vast menace of gun violence.

Taking this into account, the particular objectives of this research study are:

a) To examine the role of the weapon control legislation measures and the impact they have

resulted in the American society.

b) To explore the factors that have steered gun violence to be a major issue in the United States

of America

c) To compare and contrast the nature of the American society before and after implementation

of the gun control laws.

d) To come up with appropriate methodologies and recommendations that can help reduce the

threat posed by gun violence.

Chapter Summary

Gun violence has been a devastating menace that has hit the American Society at a great

level. It has impacted the social, political and economic sectors of the nation. The Gun Control

Act of 1968 and the Brady Violation Act of 1993 was established and implemented to control and

regulate gun production, movement, and ownership of guns. It was done by conducting

background checks and providing policies that control gun licensing activities within the states.

When Co-joined with other federal laws, these policies are used to govern the firearms regulatory

systems and to ensure all decisions are made with the objective of making united states a better

place and bringing social change in the American society. Based on the high number of gun

violence that has seen over 31 Americans murdered according to recent statistics, the research

questions posed are meant to provide a vivid and clear understanding of what are the legal

purposes of establishing laws to control and regulate gun violence and the impacts of this

enforcement to the American people. Further examining the effects of the increased gun violence

on the social, political and economic sectors, the aim of this study is to educate on the impact of

the gun control act of 1968 and the Brady Violence Act of 1993 and examine the implications of

this legislation to the American people. As evident above, most studies have focused on the

retrogressive section of the economy and, therefore, the need to conduct this research was

fundamental considering it seeks to understand the issue of gun violence in a broad and vivid

manner and then provide adequate measures and recommendations that will bring social change

to the American community. This section provides the purpose of the problem, the research

background and the limitations of this study. In addition to this, the study provides the

significance of the study at society and national level. This chapter also covers the theoretical

framework of the study to help analyze the situation and be guided by the quest to identify an

appropriate solution for this research study. Indeed, the significance and importance of Chapter

one in this research is highly evident and fundamental.

CHAPTER 2:

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Introduction

In this literature review, my aim is to illustrate, recapitulate, appraise, scrutinize and

synthesize the literature on gun violence in the United States. Chapter two will offer an account

of what has been published on this subject matter of Gun control and violation Acts. A literature

review goes outside the investigation for information and will include the expression of the

relationships connecting the literature and my field of research. In this research, I will be

exploring the relationship that exists between the two, Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Brady

Violation Act of 1993 to observe and evaluate their impact, effectiveness, and failures in their

roles. It is important to note that there is an enormous resource of opinions when it comes to gun

regulating the sale of a weapon, possession, and their use, but these same policies do stimulate

intense controversy. According to Phillip et al. (2003), the questions of whether adults should be

allowed to carry around guns which are concealed or storing guns in safety away from the

children. The controversy does not end there it continues; the opponents believe that unlocked

guns at home do create a danger to children. On the other hand, the advocates believe that a

weapon in a home is important for self-defense in a given case of an intruder. The advocates do

believe that a society that is allowed to own guns is a ‘polite society’ while the opponents do

believe that possession of guns usually leads to an increase of gun violence incidences which

results in cases of homicides, suicides and even crimes by the use of a firearm.

Over the years, guns have played a significant role in appreciating the American culture.

Ownership of guns can be rooted in the birth of the United States of America. However, the

passage of time has meant the introduction of other relevant laws and regulations to control what

has been termed as misuse of guns. Despite this, culture has changed significantly giving the

belief of people that the American constitution protects gun ownership. However, recent

arguments and debate have brought the issue forward that people may be misinterpreting the

second amendment of the constitution. The recent gun violence that has overseen mass shootings

and other homicide cases have relieved the debate on the significance and importance of

enforcing other appropriate gun control measures. Peace is a very fundamental element in all

perspectives. At personal or individual level, a person is needed to make peace with him or

herself to thrive well and relate healthily with other persons. Creating safe and appropriate

intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships is significant or a key factor in steering social

growth. According to Munhall and Chenail (2008), gun control measures were initially meant to

oppress African Americans. However after the civil war, the Northern side allowed soldiers to

take their firearms irrespective of their ethnicity. Since then, even the African Americans who did

not fight in the war were allowed to not only purchase but also own guns. African-Americans in

the South were subjected to regulations that they could not do certain activities. Amongst them is

that they could not own or hold guns, technically they could not possess firearms. In spite of

those regulations, the African Americans wanted to be granted rights to own guns and live like

the whites. Since then, rights such as the black panthers emerged to safeguard the interest of the

oppressed black Americans.

Peace at societal level creates a conducive environment for community growth and structural

development of a particular society. When different communities obtain peace and harmony in all

their undertakings, this steers social, political and economic understanding in a nation which

drives growth and development. Nations form unions that are based on group interests, and the

unity and harmony enable the states to solve problems or challenges affecting their communities

at a greater level. The significance of peace is, therefore, a chief or key principal for progress and

development at personal, societal or national level. Nations have struggled to attain peace at

different levels caused by various causes of actions. Some are initiated by drought, inter-societal

misunderstandings, political misapprehensions, and corruption. However, United States of

America has been a victim of series of gun violence that has overseen increased criminal

activities in the region some leading to deaths of innocent citizens. Among the activities include

homicide events, robbery with violence acts and suicide actions. These efforts have led to the

government looking for methodologies and establishing policies that will govern the nation and

reduce gun violence at a significant rate. Taking this into account, the United States federal

government identified or rather came up with two approaches in the quest to not only reduce but

diminish the great menace of gun violence that is, the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Brady

Violence Act of 1993.

Definition of Peace

According to Carter, (2012), peace is the freedom from commotion and disruption or the

free from violence or war. Evidently, the term peace comes in conjunction with free from war

and violence. Indeed, this gives or rather explains the reason unto why peace is crucial while

undertaking this study entailing gun violence in the United States that has resulted to mass

shootings among other violent acts. Order enables individuals and parties to solve their issues or

conflicts without violent acts. It helps people to reconcile and work together to improve the

standards and quality of their lives. With a similar philosophy, Blumstein (2006), enlightens that

peace is when every person lives in harmony with each other without fear or threat of violence.

The law does not tolerate any form of violence that affects how people live or spend their

livelihoods at any particular time. Malley-Morrison, Mercurio, and Twose, 2013), defines peace

as “a state of law or civil government, a rule of justice or goodness, balance or equilibrium of

powers.” On a similar basis Tolstoy (1982), describes peace as a state of balance and individual

or personal understanding within oneself and amongst other people and able to solve problems or

challenges between parties without violence but rather through dialogue. Peace enables and

creates a leading platform whereby all rights are heard and respected and able to conduct social

affairs without tension or fear of violence. The order allows every citizen to be equal under the

law, to be respected and his or her voice appreciated and contributed to growing and developing

the country. The department of justice protects every person’s rights and holds all laws are

applying equally to all citizens. In addition to that, peace enables every citizen or individual to

contribute to political and social decisions that shape the nation at an equal level. Order ensures

that every citizen has access to basic needs such as water, health, and shelter at his or her

disposal. Ideally, peace undertakes the responsibility of being concerned with the well-being with

a country’s nationalities. According to Monroe (2008), peace offers an equal opportunity for

everybody under the law to acquire jobs opportunities and make adequate living irrespective of

gender, ethnicity, race or any other form of identity. Evidently, peace holds the key to the success

of a nation in the aspect of social, political and economic sectors. Social, political and economic

development are always attached to peace and stability at the area of context may it be societal or

national level. To achieve sustainable and efficient development peace is the number one factor

that has to be observed in the location. Indeed, there is nothing appropriate that can happen in the

presence of violence in a nation or continent.

Impact of Gun Control on American Citizen’s Second Amendment Rights

The second amendment of the American constitution states that “A well-regulated militia,

being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall

not be infringed.” Since this amendment was approved in recent years, people have come up with

different interpretations of this act trying to safeguard their individual interests. Individuals who

support gun control tend to believe that this amendment does not refer to each American citizen

but to the members of the military who are trained specifically to utilize these firearms in various

contexts and in the appropriate way. On the contrary, people who are against gun control

mechanisms, believe that it is the right of every American citizen to own a gun as explained by

this second amendment. According to Alter (2009), the second amendment readings are not clear

to many people, and this has led to misinterpretations at certain degrees. He argues that people

need to understand who is a militia and the rights of people. It is also important for the

citizens to know what is exactly prohibited. Due to the vast American evolution meanings of the

words could have changed in the present day America. Many of the persons who support gun

control mechanism believe that the second amendment was only meant to allow states to retain

militias to provide states security but not grant every American citizen a right to own a gun.

Besides, it could have helped the legally granted rights to own guns that will allow those

residents to utilize these weapons in that militia (Monroe, 2008). It means that if an American

citizen is not a part of an army, then he does not have the right to own a gun legally. Authors

argue that during the passing of the second amendment, the American government did not have

reliable, organized and well-structured military system to defend the country and that allowed the

government to grant citizens the right to own guns and protect themselves well.

According to Bogard (1996), GCA68 is a federal law that regulates firearms in industries

and owners at society levels. This federal act focuses majorly on regulating firearms trading

between states in the American community through prohibiting or banning the transfer of

firearms between states for unlicensed dealers. After the assassination of President J.F Kennedy,

the GCA68 was passed into law to intercept and impose extreme and strict licenses to the

regulation of firearms held by people and manufactured in industries. Trading of firearms had

become a whole affair, and the government wanted to combat this activity and be in control and

be able to account for the guns in the many states of America. GCA68 has established a platform

for a significant national gun policy that controls and regulates the manufacture, deals and trading

or exchange of guns in the United States of America. This federal law put in place decades ago

entailed the incorporation of departments of Justice, Congress, firearms interest groups and the

white house and took over 5years to implement and carry to action. The intensity or rather the

depth and complexity of the implementation of this federal laws means that there has never been

another federal law that has been established after such an enormous and significant deliberations

and discussions among many relevant interest groups. GCA68 has imposed strict measures on

law violators including taxation legislation. GCA68 rose from the shortcomings of an earlier

federal law called the Federal Firearms Act (FFA) that imposed minimal controls on particular

rivals such as ordinary handguns, rifles and shotguns. FFA imposed weaknesses that resulted in

the United States government finding other appropriate measures to combat the major act of gun

violence that fought the nation leading to despicable acts of homicides and suicidal acts among

other criminal activities. According to Monroe, (2008), GCA68 also imposes jurisdiction over

destructive devices such as grenades, bombs, and mines. This law was established to make sure

that there are few, or no illegal or rather unlicensed firearms are revolving around the American

community at every particular time. This federal law did curb the interstates trade of firearms

thereby reducing acts of violence and misconduct within the states. Indeed the role played by this

federal law is immense and cannot be under-estimated at all costs. It is a lawful policy that has to

be followed by every American citizen in order to promote social change.

Monroe (2008), enlightens that this act was enacted following the amendment of the Gun

Control Act of 1993. This federal law established in November, 30^th imposed a waiting period of

5days before a gun dealer is able to deliver a handgun to an unlicensed person. Background

checks are conducted in every gun trades within the states and even imports to certain the

authenticity of the deal. The interim provisions of the Brady Violence Act became effective in

1994 and ceased to apply in 1998. These rules only apply to handguns however the permanent

provisions of this federal law apply to all firearms. The federal background checks ensure that

thorough checks are conducted before trades or imports are allowed between traders. It

reduces cases of illegal or rather unlicensed firearms from moving across states and even to

foreign nations. This act has reduce the trading activities and resulting to significant social

change in the societies. Reduction in criminal violence, robbery activities, and even deaths. The

need to promote a peaceful society that co-join to form a united nation where every person has

the right and enjoys the conducive business environment to work and function without fear of any

form or act of violent. States have added restrictions on top of the Brady Violence Act in the

quest to reduce criminal activities but rather promote peace and stability in their states. Added

restrictions means that dealers are subject to stiff penalties such as added years in prison,

community works among other strategies. It helps to reduce acts of violence (Bogard, 1996).

Section 922(g) of the Brady Violence Act buns or prohibits certain persons from shipping,

receiving or transporting any form of firearms in the state. The Brady Violation Act has provided

an appropriate measure to combat gun violence in the states (The United States on Brady

Handgun Violence Prevention Act, 1994).

Contrary to the expectations and beliefs of many, United States have established laws in

more than 30 states that allow qualified persons to carry concealed handguns. The argument of

explanation is vivid and try to figure out the chief reason the laws are only accorded to particular

persons in this category. Some argue that by allowing people to carry firearms legally would help

them to deter crimes that might occur in their residential areas. In addition to this, others debate

that increased firearms ownership in the public places does not in any way affect or rather

influence gun violence at any level. Although studies utilize almost similar methodologies of

research, they acquire different findings. Some research finds that, laws to carry firearms reduce

gun violence while others view that these federal and local government laws increase gun

violence at a high rate. According to my research findings, it 's hard to reach a mutually agreeable

position on the impacts of gun ownership either on reducing gun violence, the status of being

negligible or increasing the violence rate. It is due to the following reasons that this research was

able to identify. Firstly, the statistical inaccuracy of the outcomes cannot allow the researcher to

make a definite conclusion in one particular context. A researcher may do so, but the unclearness

of the results may provide false analysis. Secondly, there is inadequate strength in the results to

be well incorporated in the past statistics and compare the findings makes it difficult to perform

the analysis.

The United States of America has the highest number of gun related crimes. In a similar

philosophical understanding, the nation has the largest number of guns in the hands of civilians

both licensed and unlicensed. The federal government has been unable to keep track of the

production and movement of firearms for many reasons. As a result, this section examines the

reasons that have steered the nation to be at the receiving end of the negative impacts of firearms.

It will provide a fundamental understanding that will help in the evaluation and analysis of the

gun violence issue and provide appropriate recommendations that will be effective in creating

and generating social change in the societies via providing another perspective and culture on the

significance of peace and harmony. One of the main influences leading to increased gun

ownership is the great appreciated American culture of ownership of guns and individual

security. People believe that citizens’ ownership of guns helps to promote personal safety

whereby people can take care of themselves and hence the law society or department is only

responsible for other extreme issues. According to Munhall and Chenail (2008), after the world

war, the fighters were allowed to take with them firearms they used in the fights. It increased the

number of guns available to the general public. There after this became a culture of the American

people whereby weapons were available to all individuals irrespective of their position being

militias or not being one. It’s hard to eliminate a long-term culture in the minds of people and

convince them otherwise that ownership of guns is inappropriate and an essential catalyst of

violence in our societies. Secondly, the United States is a known and well-recognized region for

its diversity in the production of different types of guns and therefore easy access to the

American citizens is easy compared to other nations where gun violence is minimal. It

comprehensively explains the reason for the United States high rise of gun violence activities due

to the extensive provision of weapons to the public.

Over the years, there has been a consistent and strong relationship between poverty and

gun violence. In areas where the poverty level is extreme, there proportionally related high rates

of gun violence. In high poverty regions, many challenges cause stress and depressions to these

people, and they have to find alternative ways of keeping their families. In this scenario, these

common people engage in violent activities such as violent robbery and the process lead to deaths

of people. According to Miles and Huberman (1994), if the federal government works out on the

path to eradicating poverty, it would diminish gun violence in the United States. The government

should utilize major parts of their finances by providing employment opportunities to the youths

who are the vast majority associated with gun violence issues. The youth or young teens need to

be provided with a caring and supportive community. It is crucial to have an effective

relationship amongst the teens and the society. This will help them become excellent and

determined parents who would like to achieve a lot of possibilities that their childhood did not

offer to them. It is fundamental to create productive lives for the children of this generation and

release them from the fear and despair allowing them to become good family people, excellent

community and nation leaders who are able to make policies and decisions that are beneficial to

all Americans that is , able to provide social change in a bigger manner.

Figures of Gun-Related Deaths across States

More than 60% of the homicide incidents in the American soil are gun-related. Statistics

indicate that 11,208 homicides reported in 2013 were caused by gun related incidents.

Incorporating suicide cases more than 33,000 people are said to have died in gun violence

occurrences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of

incidents of gun related deaths varies across the states. Hawaii has the least gun related fatalities

compared with the rest of the American states. Alaska on the other hand indicated the majority

with up to 20 gun related deaths per 100, 000 residents. Suicide is the foremost reason leading to

firearms related deaths. As earlier mentioned, the number of gun related deaths in 2013 were

33,636. More than 21000 of these deaths were identified to be suicides. Federal government gun

regulation laws may be similar, and uniform across the nation but state regulations vary across

the states. It explains the reasons why there are more deaths in some states than in others due to

the strictness or roughness of the approaches. Contrary to many peoples’ thinking, the states with

the majority gun violence do not permit purchase of firearms: short gun, hand gun or any rifle.

Gun owners are also not allowed to provide registration of their weapons in those states. In a

similar philosophical understanding, the states with the least gun related deaths demand a permit

or new identification form for a person to own a gun.

Measures to Reduce Gun Violence

Gun control promoters advocate that more gun regulations or acts will result in less

violent crime. On the contrary, people who oppose gun control believe that violent crime .

increases with increased laws to curb movement and ownership of guns in the states ((Bogard,

1996). It is because the restriction will cause people to be violent and conduct acts leading to

higher ownership and hence more violence. In other to reduce the controversy of the gun

regulation policies, it is important to understand the measures that would reduce gun violence.

With so many firearms already in the hands of the civilians, it is a difficult task to regulate all of

them. Despite peoples’ different views and perspectives on gun control, it is the recent

happenings and events in the American soils including the mass shootings such as the Colorado

that reminds people on the sensitivity of the gun violence issue from a different perspectives.

People have lost families and close friends in gun related crimes and this has changed the view of

this matter in a convincing manner. The government needs to stand up and analyze the whole

situation in order to identify the appropriate measures that can be taken into consideration in the

quest to reduce gun violence. This will contribute to reducing the gun controversy that has been

in existence for a long time now. The sensitivity of this issue remains a significant concern and

until a sensible and workable act is found, it will continue to be a challenge.

Gun Prevalence

What comes out is that the primary cause of people wanting to own a gun is for self-

protection. That raises several questions, is the government not doing enough to control and

curb crimes to such an extent that the common law abiding citizen would want to acquire a

firearm to protect him or herself? What is the moral role of the society when it comes to reporting

persons who are known to commit a crime in the community? Are they ignorant of the fact that

the burden of having such people in the community will finally be borne by them?

These differences are brought about by the fact that there lacks a concrete substantiation that may

offer assistance to the conflicting assertions. Phillip et al. (2003) states that;

“Improving the quality of evidence on what works in reducing gun violence requires sound

research by scholars who maintain an open mind on the relevant issues.”

His motivation then originates from the real conviction that the most significant role is for a

dispassionate examination of the evidence. In his reference to the philosopher William James

who said that;

“…a pragmatist turns away – from bad a priori reasons, from fixed principles… (and from)

dogma, artificiality, and the pretense of truth” and becomes “towards facts.”

James also illustrated that pragmatism;

“…does not stand for any exceptional results. It is a method only… an attitude of orientation”.

When this context is applied to gun policy, this approach becomes a possible confront too equally

for and those against gun control doctrines, all of which may integrate blemished declarations

about subjects that are eventually realistic. Phillip et al. (2003) goes ahead and states that first-

class evidence to a certain extent than predetermined concepts ought to be the foundation for

evaluating the consequences of existing guiding principle alternatives.

Phillip et al. (2003) argue that since the incidences of homicides and gun rates are more

frequent in the United States than in other more developed countries, there is every chance that

the two are highly related to each other. Criminologists in the 50s and 60s disregarded the

subject matter of weapon preference as a determinant of murder, of which they made a decision

to center their attention on what they felt mattered most which was the ‘fundamental’ issues. But

according to Wolfgang (1958), the weapon on its own had a simple consequence of the ending of

an aggressive encounter. It is a decision that he later withdrew (Wolfgang, 1995).

Zimring (1968) in a seminar article offers organized substantiation that the choice of

weapon matters autonomous of incentive. He picked his argument from the crime data from

Chicago that demonstrates that fatal incidence involving guns were at a higher as compared to the

other types of weapons such as knife attacks, regardless of the fact that the state of affairs is, by

and large, comparable. The majority of the criminal attackers were intoxicated at the moment and

thus not likely to be carrying out their actions in a straightforward way, and a small number of

assailants inflicted multiple numbers of wounds to the victims including the fatal incidences.

Correspondingly, burglaries have a higher chance of causing a victims death where a fire arm is

involved, even despite the fact that gun robbers are less expected to assault their casualty than

those using other weapons. According to Cook, (1976, 1980, 1987) causing a fatal injury with a

gun needed a lesser amount of endeavor willpower, contribution or force as compared to another

type of weapons.

A gun also offers a speedy and dependable way out for desperate individuals.

Nevertheless in suicide, unlike a physical attack, there is a presence of additional exceedingly

fatal means accessible to any person who sets the moment for preparation, as well as hanging and

going to a high building or cliff. Nevertheless, the evidence does exist which shows that being in

a position to access and obtain a gun does not have any effect when it comes to rates of suicide

(Miller et al. 1999).

Phillips et al. (2003) argue that similar features that do make the firearms to be

more attractive to the criminals are still the same characteristics used by persons for self-

defense. But what remains unclear is the extent that they are used for self-preservation and it has

highly been debated without any potable effectiveness. The figures reported by the National

Crime Victimization Survey, a reliable source of information based on predatory crime show

that, the incidences that a firearm is used for self-protection in response to a criminal attack

amounts to an average of 100,000 times annually (Cook et al. 1997). As compared to the

outcomes of several surveys conducted over telephone on small scales which bring out the

picture that it amounts to a million times when guns are used for defensive purposes in a given

year (Kleck et al., 1995).

Irrespective of the number and incidences of guns being used for defensive reasons, the

mere warning of coming across a victim who is armed leads to what can be referred to as a

‘deterrent effect’ on how the criminals behave and act. A deterrent effect means that the activity

has the potential to put a stop to individuals from carrying out something by the creation of fear

in their minds of the consequences that may take the place of what would happen to them if they

do it. A developing organization of investigation surrounded by criminology and economics

offers assistance to the impression that some criminals are susceptible to the warning of a

sentence or penalty (Naggin 1998) and (Levvit 2001). It is for that reason not astonishing that the

danger of an armed victim reaction would as well be born in the mind of a criminal while making

a decision: According to a survey to which has been carried in a prison, an estimated 40 percent

of the prisoners had a second thought when they were making a decision to commit the crimes

that they did at least on one occasion, for the reason that they feared the potential victim was

having a gun and would have defended himself (Wright et al. 1994).

Given the fact that guns can be used to carry out both good and evil activities, the

objective of gun policy in the United States has been to decrease the stream of firearms to the

groups that can be deemed as the high risk at the same time maintaining the right to use for most

of the population. Whether the existing structure accomplishes the right balance between

maintaining the right to use and the same time limiting the mishandling will remain as a topic of

extensive debate.

In the United States, approximately any person can lawfully purchase a firearm, apart

from for those outlawed from buying guns by the Gun Control Act of 1968. Those outlawed

include minors, these are individuals who have not attained the legal age and the adults who have

been accused of or anyone having committed any earlier criminal act or due to a 1996 adjustment

offense conviction of a household aggression, unlawful aliens, those restricted by a court order

for the reason of a mental illness as well as a small number of other groups. These fundamental

limitations take pleasure in approximately positive support in discussions on firearm policy. More

contentious is what the government ought to do to maintain firearms away from persons in these

high-risk groups.

The GCA (Gun Control Act) specifies that certified traders should oblige the purchasers

to display their credentials and fill in a form demonstrating that they are entitled to acquire a gun.

Some states defined supplementary requirements for an officially authorized transaction of a

small arm, together with a prerequisite of a criminal record verification on probable buyers. From

the year 1994 background checks in light weapons transactions by traders became obligatory in

all the States as a consequence of the implementation of the federal Brady Handgun Violence

Prevention Act, an obligation that was pushed to the long gun transactions in the year 1998.

The necessitation for gun sales by persons who have not licensed dealers, as defined by the 1968

GCA, is illegal and prohibited. Besides, it is illegal for anyone who is not authorized to engage in

the business of selling firearms at wholesale or retail, engaged in the business of repairing

firearms or of making or fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms, or a

pawnbroker. Also, laxer: non-dealers are prohibited from knowingly selling a gun to someone

banned from possession but are not required to determine the buyer’s eligibility or follow other

paperwork reporting requirements. The exemption of sales by non-dealers from most existing

federal regulations is, of course, an enormous loophole in the federal regulatory system.

The majority of the states have made a decision not to spread out federal laws on gun

selling and buying or ownership and have prevented neighborhoods from doing so. The States

with easy controls act out as a magnetic basis for person trafficking guns as well as those who are

after to make supplies to the illegal selling points in the states with tight controls. When Gun

Control Act was passed in 1968 it was meant to protect the states from each other, especially the

transfer of guns from one state to another apart from the persons who have been licensed to do so.

Before the Brady Violation Act of 1993 (BVA 1993) being passed, the selling and buying of this

kind used to serve as a significant source of fire arms for the criminals in the states with tight

rules and regulations. But BVA 1993 has led to a reduction in the trafficking of the guns. (Cook

et al. 2001)

Carrying Guns in Public

Being in possession of a gun and keeping it at home is treated as a separate issue but

when it comes to a scenario where one carries it in public it is taken as a public concern. Due to

this, the government has formulated regulations in the past so as to control the practice in general

and it has been quite restrictive as compared to acquiring a gun. The states have been laying out

regulations add requirements that necessitate one to obtain a permit to be allowed to carry a

concealed firearm. Of old an enormous number of states have eased up the necessities to acquire

a concealed gun-carrying authorization. These latest regulations place a boundary or even

eradicate the prudence about whether to issue authorization which is in the hands of the local law

enforcement authorities. These local law enforcers were regularly unwilling to award such

permits. It is estimated that over thirty states do have the laissez-faire rules of carrying around a

concealed gun law of which the rest of the states are still in deliberation whether or not it is

feasible.

Research Recommendations

Despite the vast richness of information that explains the relationship between gun

violence and criminal activities, there have not been appropriate and competent information that

can provide adequate recommendations for social change in the American society at personal and

national level. Contrary to many people’s expectations, firearms result in gun violence. The

following various factors are taken into account, to determine or rather identify the aspect of

illegal firearms in American societies and the implication gun misuse in the different states.

Human motivation, enforcement policies, and weapons availability are all among the activities

that have to be consulted or figured out before any implication. The government ought to

establish policies that will help reduce not just gun violence but the movement and trading of

firearms. In addition to this, it is the role of the federal government to enforce and implement

these policies and provide social change to the American society. Also, it is fundamental to

provide adequate information and public awareness regarding information on gun control.

There is limited data information on gun control methodologies, and this has forced

researchers to utilize or rather take into account few techniques that will help provide appropriate

recommendations on the same. Studies have used case control methodologies on homicide or

suicide actions that have resulted from gun violence. The second method entails ecological

studies that are used to compare and contrast homicide or suicide figures in highly populated

regions. These includes geographic areas such as nations or countries. According to examined

case-control studies, violence has been viewed too positively correlated firearms. However, the

limitations of these study are that they do not explain or indicate the primary or chief reason for

challenges and problems that arise from gun violence. For instance, other means could be used to

commit suicide in the absence of guns and these records would be available and recorded

statistically to show homicide results from gun violence. Further, victims of homicide actions are

likely to own or rather possess weapons as a result of pessimistic beliefs of being victimized. In

addition to this, there are significant errors that have been or are reported, and this will cause bias

in the healthy relationships between ownership and violence. According to Malley-Morrison,

Mercurio and Twose (2013), ecological studies provide false evidence and reports on violence

and gun ownership. For instance, an indication has showed that suicide is directly correlated to

rates of guns ownership while it is not directly related to the homicide figures. Contrary to the

expectations of many persons, statistics have shown that association between suicide rates and

gun ownership is weak or not existing, but there is a meaningful relationship between gun

ownership and homicide. These inter-country comparisons provide a comprehensive and decisive

coverage that indicate the fact that rate of suicide in the United States ranks towards the middle of

industrialized countries. Additionally, the homicide rate in the United States of America is higher

than in all other developed countries.

Past researchers have been unable to demonstrate the chief or principal causes of these

relationships due to some existential problems that have been limiting the committees’ ability or

capability to conduct and provide the appropriate recommendations for these studies. Firstly, the

problems have been found not directly address the issue of self-election which is the basis that

the challenge of gun control is reviewed. Secondly, the American population has greater

aggregation rate and therefore, there are limited ways and methodologies of knowing and

identifying whether the region where homicide have occurred are in areas where gun or firearms

ownership is extremely high. Evidently, it is manifestly plain that the existing research studies

have gaps that are unable to provide full and comprehensive suggestions on what is needed for

them to control gun ownership and through relating these menaces be able to reduce the weapon

violence. The existential reasons of the limitations are that there are inadequate data flow and

methodologies to demonstrate a causal relationship between violence and gun ownership.

Besides, the causes and prevention capabilities of criminal violence or suicide cats cannot be

identified if we do not understand the chief reason or challenge resulting in the crime related to

guns. The problem or issue of criminal violence has not been well addressed in the literature and,

therefore the emitting means my research initiated at a background level where I had to acquire

materials from primary data sources and conduct a thorough and extensive research. It explains

the reasons for the need to have improved models that would be necessary to develop the

understanding of the association and provided a relationship between guns ownership or firearms

and suicide. Despite the fact that there is present limited information that has been gathered from

ecological studies, individual level studies are appropriate in order to get to understand the

problem from a wider perspective and provide an extensive relationship between gun ownership

and violence.

CHAPTER 3:

RESEARCH DESIGN

Introduction

Research design will focus on the theoretical method of inquiry that I have adopted, the

justification of the case study, the sample and population, sampling procedures and sizes, data

collection tools involved, data analysis methods, management and representation. There will be

issues of quality and ethics, my role as the researcher, obtaining access to the participants as well

as the participants’ protection, handling bias during the research and the structure of the narrative

report.

This study adopts a qualitative explanatory research approach focusing on the analysis of

the gun control Act of 1968 and the Brady Violation Act of 1993. Qualitative research can be

considered as the most flexible of the many different experimental techniques encircling an

assortment of conventional techniques and structures. According to Creswell (1993), Qualitative

research can be defined as;

“…an inquiry process of understanding based on distinct methodological traditions of inquiry

that explores a social or human problem. The researcher builds a complex, holistic picture,

analyzes words, reports detailed views of informants, and conducts the study in a natural setting”.

I did adopt this method since it assisted me in obtaining an understanding of practices,

proceedings and the relationships in the perspective of the community and liberal state of affairs

about the issue of GCA 1968 and BVA 1993. These laws were enacted to regulate gun ownership

and possession so that I will be in a position to determine whether it lead to a reduction in

firearms related incidences.

It was of great honor for me to be in a position to obtain an insight whether these laws

enacted to regulate gun ownership and possession are working. It has provided me with an in-

depth description of procedures, beliefs, and knowledge on exploring the reasons that cause a

human to pick a firearm and commit an act that causes a threat to human lives, whether his or the

rest of the community members.

Justification of Case Study in Respect to other Models

While I was designing the research study, I reviewed several qualitative models that I

would consider to be most appropriate for the study. These models did include but not limited to;

a biographical study, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, questionnaires and case

study. It is important to note that all of the above paradigms do have a common theme. On the

choice of the most appropriate model for the research was determined by the intention of the

study and the nature of data that is to be gathered.

The biographical study involves looking at an individual’s life, from the past, present to

the future. This approach tends to investigate in a diverse methodological and understanding

ways, how the person detailing of life occurrence can be understood in the context of up to date

cultural and structural establishment.

This method assists in the duty of social changes, by incorporating how new occurrences

are deduced by those within a family unit, small groups, and establishments. This model

disadvantage is that it focuses on the history of individuals so as to determine a given, activity or

event. There are high chances that the past may not have anything to do with what is going on

now and thus does not provide sufficient materials to draw a valid conclusion.

The phenomenological inquiry is a method that tries to study the understanding of

individuals’ perceptions, perspectives, and understanding of a particular phenomenon. In this

study, the selection of participants is made carefully to ensure that they have had an encounter

with the particular phenomenon under study. The disadvantage of this method is that it will be

limited to the individuals who have experienced an incidence of gun violence or associated with

gun violence. This approach would thus leave out other relevant information and particulars such

as accounts and archival supplies needed for complete recording and an excellent representation

of the phenomenon.

Grounded theory involves a set of conventional inductive means for carrying out

qualitative research intended towards the development of theory. This method is aimed at the

creation of a middle-level theory directly from data analysis. The outcome of the analyzes creates

the basis on sound experimental foundations. These analyzes construct their supremacy on

physically robust empirical grounds. These analyzers offer a focused abstract, theoretical

hypothesis that presents justification to the studied phenomenon. The shortcoming with this tool

of research is the fact that it is tricky for one to identify and put a stop to partiality that will be

associated with the research. The prejudice of the data leads to complicatedness in establishing

trustworthiness and validity of approaches and information.

Ethnographic research is a methodical study of persons and their way of life. It is intended

to investigate cultural occurrence where I will examine people from the research that I am

conducting. This research method is not compatible with my research since it is not predestined

to recognize the behavior of a particular group. The Study is not also destined to realize the

customs of any group of people.

Surveys and questionnaires were part of the paradigm that was considered as one of the

most appropriate methods of data collection. This method is used to collect, analyze and interpret

the views of a group of people from a target population. This method has the benefit of being

devoid of researcher’s bias and also for being affordable. This method was not found appropriate

for the research. The reason being the use of questionnaire would require the use of variable

derived from pre-existing theory to make a hypothesis testing possible. Utilizing questionnaire

would also not yield the detailed information needed to provide understanding the impact of

tightened gun laws and its effects in reduction of gun incidences.

Case Study is a research process that makes comfortable the examination of a

phenomenon inside its framework by the use of different data sources. It is a technique used to

narrow down a very extensive area of investigation into a simple directly researchable subject

matter. Its approach is in answering the questions in the form of ‘how’ and ‘where.' This research

method will present some guidance and permit additional explanation and theory creation on the

subject under consideration. This research method is of great significance for assessing whether

scientific hypothesis and a model in point of fact is practical in the actual world. This method is

known for its flexibility. When it comes to offering some information to other users, case studies

are known to create more out of the ordinary subject matter as compared to merely statistical

surveys. It has made itself or standout to be recognized by instructors as well as magazine editors,

who have adopted it for quite a long time which could amount to some years.

It is important to note that the broad-spectrum of the population has less concern and

awareness in pages of statistical computation, however, some of the well-positioned case studies

are capable of having a lasting impact. Coupled with these essential attributes the method was

found to be more appropriate for the research since it requires extensive sources of data so as to

obtain the perspectives and vibrancy of the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the

Brady Violation Act of 1993. With the knowledge that the users of the research findings may not

have enough knowledge to understand the concepts correctly, it provides grounds for me to put

down the results accordingly.

Sampling

In this part, I will be focusing on the target population and the participant selection. I will

be identifying the population from which the participants will be selected and the methods which

will be used in the sampling process. I will be discussing and justifying the sample size that I

have selected.

Sample Procedures

My target population will involve the residents of the United States of America.

Qualitative research typically begins with a specific group, type of individual event or process

that possesses characteristics or have gone through a particular experience that is relevant to the

research question. It is to obtain an in-depth understanding. It is of great significance to choosing

the participants and the documents based on their ability to contribute to the understanding of the

phenomenon under consideration for the reason that qualitative research is centered on obtaining

an explanation, understanding as well as the clarification of the human experience.

“…the basis of this decision is the judgment of those whose experience most fully

and authentically manifests or makes accessible what researcher is interested in.”

(Wertz, 2005).

The assortment for that reason ought to consist of a sequence of compelling, complete, and

saturated explanation of the case under which is being researched. By looking at the

representativeness, it will not be based on the assortment decisive factor of significance but will

be based on the experience. The experience will comprise of the component of examination and

not persons or factions (Polkinghorne, 2005). The product of a qualitative case study ought to

throw into the understanding of the occurrence which is being investigated and not based on how

different subdivisions in the populace are knowledgeable. It is differentiated from the quantitative

research which focuses on the allegations on the subject of models and takes a broad view of the

entire population.

According to (Polkinghorne, 2005) sampling is required to be a representative of the

populace and also be indiscriminately made as opposed to experience. The more recommended

sampling method is the purposive sampling. It is one of the most preferred sampling strategies for

data collection. It is meant to conduct a study on the whole population of some restricted groups

or divisions of a population. It also focuses on the persons who are mainly well-informed of the

subject under research. Rubin et al. (1995) have provided some guidelines for choosing the right

participants who should be involved in the research. The first guideline is that the member should

be knowledgeable of the situation under investigation. In this case, I will be focusing the issue of

gun violence and mainly the gun violence control policy which is the GCA 1968 and the BVA

1993. The second guideline is that the participant should be a representation or a representative of

the populations points of views.

Besides, to that Rubin et al. (1995) proposes two tests that the participants must pass. One

of the key elements is the completeness. It translates to whatever I will hear will provide a

general logic of the significance of perceptions. The other test is the saturation which translates to

obtaining confidence that I have obtained enough evidence from the persons that I am

subsequently interviewing. Within the framework of this study, the principal participants to be

interviewed included; the Policy Implementers (Police), the School Heads or Directors and the

assorted citizen.

The choice of this population was based on the opinion that they were seemed to be

knowledgeable and also the experience of the topic under investigation as well as the dynamics

surrounding the issue of gun violence. The first group to be interviewed will be the law

enforcement. This individual’s well-being and lives are threatened every day across the country.

Whenever the public has a problem, the first thing is to call them for assistance. That means they

are expected to deal with the problem irrespective of the scale or magnitude. The other group will

be some school heads or directors who are responsible for their respective schools. This group is

important since it represents the helpless group of the population who bear the largest impact

whenever a criminal strikes. These groups of participants were involved so as to provide a

diverse form of experiences so as to develop a holistic picture of the issue under deliberation. The

last group will be the assorted citizens. This group will offer insight on the topic based on their

knowledge and experience on the subject. They will also act as informants on other persons of

interests such as the groups discussed below and others.

The policy makers, these are the people who are entrusted in coming up with laws that

will help reduce the rate of gun violence. There are so many aspects they are required to

consider before they come up with a given regulation. They do face a challenge especially when

it comes to areas where the proposed law seems to be going against another right. Gun Rights

Activists or Gun Lobby Groups, these are the groups such as National Rifle Association, NRA,

which are working extremely hard to protect the right of the citizens to bear firearms. This

activism is known to have a considerable influence even in the political arena and thus a key and

important stakeholder in the field of gun violence. If something has to happen, they have to be

involved to a greater extent. Firearm traders are the persons who are in charge of firearm

transactions and distribution. They are the link between the citizen and the manufacturer. That

notwithstanding at the point of sale they are required to carry out a background check as

stipulated by the law. To a greater extent they do play a fundamental role in making available the

firearms to persons who commit a crime, whether knowingly or otherwise. Felons and the

afflicted parties, these are the people who commit the crimes and the victims. Felons are the

criminals who are suspected of committing a crime by the use of a firearm. These are the persons

who are the creators of the gun violence menace. It is of great importance to hear from them to

understand their thoughts and opinions. The reason being if we were in a position to get into their

minds of the criminals, it would be easy to get a solution to the menace. Gun Control Groups

such as the Brady Campaign; these are groups with a soul purpose to cause a dramatic reduction

in incidences of firearm deaths and injuries. The Brady Campaign has a target of reducing the

rates of death as a result of gun violence by the year 2025.

Participants Selection Strategy

Once the researcher was done with the preparation of the pool from where the participants

will be selected for interview to be conducted, the participants were chosen on purpose. In the

selection process, there were several strategies utilized such as the choice of the members and the

documents to be used. The following were the procedures, the maximum variation which is a

purposeful sampling strategy. The aim of this approach is to conduct a sample for diversity.

The purpose of using the method is to obtain an understanding how the occurrence is observed

and understood among the various people in diverse surroundings and at different times. The

other one is the critical sampling which is the process of selecting a small number of significant

cases that do have a high probability of yielding the most data and have the maximum impact on

the development of knowledge (Patton, 2001). The same sampling was employed so as to select a

tiny uniform collection of subject matter for examination and analysis. Criterion sampling was

adopted so as to select cases that convene some prearranged decisive factors of significance

(Patton, 2001). The researcher also approved the informant’s strategy which will be used to

obtain a proposal from the participants who can identify other persons who can have some

information which can be of great relevance to the research.

The sample size was determined after the selection of the participants. After a critical

analysis of the selected participants, a sample of 14 participants was proposed to be used in the

study. In qualitative research it is quite difficult to determine the appropriate number, for the

analysis requires a flexible approach so to arrive at a saturation point. It should be noted that in

qualitative research, the sample size is determined by the nature of the research questions under

consideration as well as the most probable outcome of the research. According to Wertz (2005),

he argues that the participants should continue being brought on board until the objectives of the

study are achieved. Achievement of the objectives will mean that any additional recruit of the

participants does not bring on board new information, and thus, the saturation point has arrived.

However, there is no given number of participants to be involved in a study that is appropriate for

a case study. It is about Creswell (1998) who proposed something in the qualitative traditions.

"The validity, meaningfulness, and insights generated from qualitative inquiry have more to

do with the information-richness of the cases selected and the observational/analytical

capabilities of the researcher than with sample size" (Patton, 1990).

It means that qualitative analysis mainly pays attention to the outcome of the research from the

samples selected.

Participants Interview (Pie Chart)

KEY RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS
POLICEMEN	2
SCHOOL HEADS	2
U.S. CITIZENS	10