Reentry Program Research Proposal: This Project Is Scenario
Reentry Program Research Proposalthis Project Is Scenario Based In Th
Reentry Program Research Proposalthis Project Is Scenario Based In Th
Reentry Program Research Proposal This Project is scenario-based. In this scenario, you have been hired as a research consultant by a parole office to create a research proposal to understand the effectiveness of a new, four-week reentry program that will be administered to parolees immediately upon release from the prison. The program involves immediate placement into a job, housing, mandatory counseling, and daily check-ins for the parolee with the parole officer. The office supervisor explains to you that the reason for the four-week reentry program is due to the high recidivism rates (66%) in the past year of all parolees in that county, many of whom recidivated within the first four weeks upon release.
The four-week reentry program has not started yet. The parole office is waiting to see your proposal and is willing to implement the program as part of the research design. Submit the methods section of your Project. Please refer to the Project Assignment Directions below to see the required length for this section. 1.
A methods section in which you identify and support the research design, identify and support one quantitative method that will be used, identify and support one qualitative method that will be used, identify which type of mixed method design, and describe how the triangulation of these two methods will help to answer the research question better. Identify any potential ethical issues. You will need to show how the research methods that you propose are best suited to answer the research question you created.
Paper For Above instruction
Methods Section for Reentry Program Effectiveness Study
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly implemented four-week reentry program for parolees immediately upon their release. The study employs a mixed methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the program's impact on recidivism rates within the critical first four weeks post-release. The chosen methodologies are aimed at capturing measurable outcomes as well as nuanced perceptions and experiences of the parolees and parole officers, thereby facilitating a robust analysis of the program's effectiveness.
Research Design
The research follows a convergent parallel mixed methods design, wherein quantitative and qualitative data will be collected concurrently, analyzed separately, and then integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research questions. This design is appropriate here because it allows for the comparison of statistical data on recidivism with in-depth insights from participant experiences, thereby enhancing the validity and richness of the findings (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). The convergence of these data sets will enable triangulation, which strengthens confidence in the results by cross-validating findings through multiple methods.
Quantitative Method
The quantitative component of the study will utilize a quasi-experimental design, specifically a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Data will be collected on recidivism rates among a group of parolees participating in the new four-week program and compared to a similar group not enrolled in the program. Recidivism will be measured through official criminal justice records, noting re-arrests, reconvictions, and reincarcerations within the first four weeks of release. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, will be employed to assess whether participation in the program significantly reduces recidivism rates (George & Bennett, 2005).
Qualitative Method
The qualitative component will involve semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of parolees who have participated in the program and parole officers responsible for monitoring them. The interviews aim to explore participant perceptions of the program's components—such as employment assistance, housing support, counseling, and check-ins—and how these factors affect their reintegration process. Thematic analysis will be used to identify recurring patterns and themes related to perceptions of support, challenges encountered, and suggestions for improvement (Braun & Clarke, 2006). This approach will provide contextual understanding that complements the quantitative data.
Triangulation and Integration
Triangulation involves integrating the quantitative and qualitative findings to provide a comprehensive view of the program’s effectiveness. By comparing statistical outcomes on recidivism with participants’ lived experiences and perceptions, the study can identify whether observable reductions in reoffense are supported by positive perceptions of the program. This integration will help to validate results, uncover contextual factors influencing outcomes, and offer practical insights for program refinement (Fetters et al., 2013).
Potential Ethical Issues
The study will address ethical considerations such as ensuring confidentiality of participant data, obtaining informed consent, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort during interviews. Given the vulnerable nature of parolees, additional protections will be implemented, including voluntary participation and the right to withdraw at any time. Approval will be sought from an Institutional Review Board (IRB), and all procedures will adhere to ethical standards for research involving human subjects (American Psychological Association, 2017).
Conclusion
The combined use of quantitative and qualitative methods in a convergent parallel design will enable a comprehensive assessment of the reentry program’s impact on reducing recidivism within the first four weeks of release. This approach ensures robust validation of results through triangulation and provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to improve reentry strategies and reduce high recidivism rates.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. APA.
- Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
- Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
- Fetters, M. D., Curry, L. A., & Chen, H. T. (2013). Achieving integration in mixed methods designs—principles and practices. Health Services Research, 48(6pt2), 2134-2156.
- George, A. L., & Bennett, A. (2005). Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. MIT Press.
- Corresponding references to support recidivism measurement, ethical standards, and mixed methods research will be used as needed throughout the study.