Annotated Bibliography Gun Control: An Annotated Bibliography

Harshita Gupta

Ms. Gharibian

English 10H P3

May 30th, 2014

Gun Control: An Annotated Bibliography

Gius, Mark. "The Effect of Gun Ownership Rates on Homicide Rates: A State-level Analysis."

Applied Economics Letters 16.17 (2009): 1687-690. Taylor Francis Online. Web. 29 May 2014. .

This journal is an account of a statistical study that examines the link between gun ownership rates and homicide rates. The results of the study indicate that gun ownership levels are positively correlated with homicide rates, but this study was conducted with a fairly lenient significance level. The study does conclude, however, that having stricter gun control may reduce murders.

This journal is a counterargument for my stance on the topic of gun control. Although it fits my initial opinions on the matter, the data presented in the study is not very statistically sound, and indicates a correlation, and not a causative relationship between gun ownership rates and homicide rates. I would present it in my research paper, but refute its claims with those of more recent studies that I have found in my other references. I would also question the sampling and response method, which was through survey, thus indicating that the results of this study cannot be generalized to the entire population.

This journal was unbiased and took a scientific approach to the topic. However, it does not go very far beyond stating the details of the study, and due to a lack of a counterargument I would not consider it an all-encompassing overview of the subject. However, the information is presented with a neutral and formal tone. I would consider this a reliable source.

Lott, John R. More Guns, Le...

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...xperts on the subject. The abundance of opinions and well researched alternatives offered me a complex and analytical look into the possible solutions to the problem at hand, and helped me see that there is no black and white on the issue of gun control. A safe, beneficial compromise can be reached. Although I tend to believe that more guns do lead to less crime, the statistically justified solutions offered in this compilation are the perfect intersection of reasonable control and liberty.

The writings presented in this book are objective and verified with substantial reliable data and statistics. The authors are candid and realistic about the limitations of their knowledge, and do not attempt to seem all-knowing or like a final authority on the subject. The approach is scientific and the tone is unbiased, and I consider this book a reliable and credible source.