Criminal Justice Research Final Project

Criminal Justice Research 6216final Projectfor Your Final Project You

Develop a 12- to 15-page research design paper centered around a criminal justice issue of your choice. Your paper should include the following elements:

  • A description of the criminal justice issue you selected
  • The research question you are examining and hypothesis(-es) you plan to test
  • An explanation of whether you would use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods
  • A description of your data collection method—experiment, survey, use of available data, field research, or a combination—and the rationale for your choice, including strengths and weaknesses
  • An explanation of your measurement and sampling methods, including conceptual definitions of key variables and how you would measure each
  • If conducting a survey, a list of questions you plan to ask
  • A description of your target population or details about using existing data, including evidence of reliability and validity, sample description, concepts, measures, and limitations

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The criminal justice system faces multifaceted issues that demand rigorous research to inform policies and practices. One pertinent issue is recidivism among parolees, a significant factor affecting correctional systems' effectiveness and community safety. Specifically, examining probation and parole recidivism provides insights into the factors influencing repeat offenses and the effectiveness of various interventions.

This paper proposes a comprehensive research design to explore the determinants of probation and parole recidivism, employing a mixed-methods approach, and focusing on quantitative analysis of existing data complemented by qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews.

Research Issue and Question

The central issue addressed is the high rate of recidivism among individuals on probation and parole. The research question guiding this study is: "What are the key factors contributing to recidivism among probationers and parolees?" The hypothesis posits that specific variables—such as socioeconomic status, employment stability, substance abuse history, and community support—significantly influence recidivism rates.

Research Methods

This study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of existing criminal justice datasets with qualitative interviews. The quantitative component aims to identify statistical relationships among variables, while qualitative data will provide contextual understanding and explore personal experiences related to recidivism.

The rationale for selecting mixed methods lies in the comprehensive insights gained through combining numeric data with narrative perspectives, allowing for a holistic understanding of the issue.

Data Collection

Data will primarily be collected through the analysis of existing datasets from state criminal justice agencies, which include detailed records of probationers and parolees, their demographic information, supervision history, and recidivism outcomes. Supplementary qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with parole officers, probation officers, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

The strengths of using existing data include access to large, representative samples, cost-efficiency, and reduced time requirements. However, limitations include potential issues with data completeness, inconsistency, and inability to control data collection variables.

Qualitative interviews enable in-depth understanding of personal and systemic factors influencing recidivism but are limited by small sample sizes and potential bias in self-reported information.

Measurement and Sampling

Key variables include recidivism (measured as re-arrest or re-incarceration within a specified period, e.g., two years), employment status, substance abuse history, housing stability, and social support networks. Conceptually, recidivism is defined as a new criminal offense or violation within the follow-up period.

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical methods such as logistic regression to assess variable significance. Sampling from the dataset involves stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation across demographics.

Qualitative sampling will involve purposive selection of participants based on recidivism status, availability, and willingness to participate, aiming for diversity in background and experiences.

Survey Questions

  1. Have you participated in any employment programs since your last release? If yes, please describe.
  2. What challenges have you faced in securing stable housing?
  3. Have you used substance or alcohol in the past six months? If yes, please specify.
  4. How would you describe your current social support network?
  5. In your opinion, what factors contributed most to your recidivism?

Target Population and Data Sources

The target population comprises adult individuals on probation or parole within a specific state or region, with an estimated population of several thousand individuals. Data will be sourced from state criminal justice repositories, which include administrative records spanning multiple years.

If existing data are utilized, their reliability and validity will be assessed based on the original data collection process, documentation, and previous studies validating these datasets. The limitations of existing data include potential missing data, reporting biases, and lack of certain contextual variables needed for comprehensive analysis.

In sum, this research design aims to produce meaningful insights into probation and parole recidivism, combining rigorous quantitative analysis with qualitative perspectives to inform effective interventions and policies.

References

  • Belenko, S. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice in Corrections: Applications to Probation and Parole. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 57(2), 85–111.
  • Gendreau, P., & Goggin, C. (2014). Background and theories of correctional rehabilitation. Crime & Delinquency, 60(3), 369–382.
  • Lattimore, P. K., & Visher, C. A. (2018). Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections. In The Oxford Handbook of Crime Prevention (pp. 367-385). Oxford University Press.
  • Taxman, F. S., & Byrne, J. M. (2017). Evidence-based programs for justice-involved populations. Journal of Community Corrections, 34(4), 12–26.
  • McGuire, J. (2018). The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for offenders. In Crime and Psychology (pp. 213-232). Routledge.
  • Petersilia, J. (2016). Challenging issues in community corrections. Crime & Delinquency, 62(4), 481– set al.
  • Giordano, P. C., et al. (2019). The role of social support in desistance from crime among parolees. Criminology, 57(3), 599–632.
  • Akers, R. L. (2017). Social Learning and Crime: A General Theory. Routledge.
  • Visher, C. A., & Travis, J. (2019). Transitions from prison to community: Understanding individual pathways. Annual Review of Sociology, 41, 593–612.
  • Farrall, S., & Calverley, A. (2016). Understanding desistance from crime. Routledge.

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