Austin Hildenbrand
CYSE – 201S
Dr. Yalpi
2/20/2025
Article Review #1 – Intellectual Security
BLUF
A field study, composed of university youth in Jordan and Algeria, was conducted to find key factors affecting intellectual security, which is the concept and procedure aimed at protecting minds and ideas from deviation and extremism. The field study used Cyber Criminology methods to emphasize the significance of integrating digital literacy and critical thinking training within university curricula.
Observational Study
Officials used cross-sectional research design and quantitative research approaches to get a better understanding of the sample group about intellectual security. Cross-sectional research design analyzes a population at a specific point in time, in this case, current students attending university. The three specific research questions that were answered within this study include, “What are the factors influencing the formation of intellectual security among university youth, is there an attribute to the variable of gender in the students’ evaluations, and in the students’ evaluations is there an attribute to the variable of academic level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)” (International Journal of Cyber Criminology, Vol 18 Issue 1, p109). The results of the field study revealed that social influences affect the intellectual security of a student’s mind. Social influences include university environment, family, and social media. In addition, the results proved that there is a statistically significant difference in students’ evaluations of the factors influencing their intellectual security attributed to the variable of gender and academic level, which solidifies the statement, there are demographic characteristics that affect university youth’s intellectual security.
Social Sciences
The article relates to key social science concepts, including socialization and cognitive development. It explores how agents of socialization—like family, peers, media, and educational institutions—shape intellectual security. In relation to this field study, socialization is the process where a student learns to adjust to a group or society and behave in a manner approved by that group or society. The main goal of this observational study is to understand the key factors affecting intellectual security. The study also explores cognitive development by examining how university students process information from digital media, family, and their academic environment. The study links cognitive development to the exposure of diverse perspectives, emphasizing the role of education in fostering analytical skills.
Challenges
In module one of CYSE-201S we discussed the differences between surveys and field studies. Surveys involve a questionnaire that the sample group answers to help give a better understanding of the research hypothesis, while a field study is an observational study that uses a survey to answer a specific question by entering the field that corresponds to the topic. This study used both methods, as it synergized the advantages and disadvantages of each research method. Students were asked 3 different survey questions in a “Very High Agreement – Very Low Agreement” format, which can create bias. In addition, the field study has response bias when entering the environment of the sample group (University Campus) and asking specific questions to students in the related field (Social Science Majors). Response Bias is when the students decide to lie, or the students are answering the survey questions inaccurately.
Conclusion
The article offers valuable insights into how various social influences shape intellectual security among university students, emphasizing the roles of digital media, family, and the academic environment. By applying cognitive development and socialization theories, it highlights the importance of critical thinking and digital literacy in navigating complex information landscapes. The study’s cross-cultural approach enriches its analysis, underscoring the global relevance of these challenges.
Works Cited
Factors Influencing the Formation of Intellectual Security among University Students: A Field Study