Week 3 Discussion: Developing A Research Question

Week 3 Discussion developing A Research Questioncapstone 2015due Wednes

The selected problem/issue: The focus of my research is on recidivism, specifically examining the Missouri Reentry Process (MRP). My intent is to evaluate this program through policy analysis and program evaluation methods, with the objective of considering its potential as a national model for recidivism reduction. The research question will explore whether the MRP effectively addresses recidivism and its applicability beyond Missouri.

The goal of my paper, if accepted, is to analyze the MRP to determine its strengths and weaknesses, and to assess whether its framework and outcomes could serve as a scalable model nationwide. This involves investigating the program's structure, policies, and measurable impacts on reducing repeat offenders. Developing this focused research question will guide the evaluation and provide clarity on the program’s viability as a national policy solution.

Paper For Above instruction

The issue of recidivism presents a persistent challenge for criminal justice systems nationwide. High rates of repeat offending not only undermine the goals of rehabilitation but also impose significant social and economic costs. As policymakers and practitioners seek effective strategies to mitigate these issues, the Missouri Reentry Process (MRP) offers a promising case study due to its innovative approach to reentry support. This paper aims to formulate a research question that systematically evaluates the effectiveness of MRP and its potential as a model for nationwide implementation.

Developing an appropriate research question is fundamental in framing the scope and purpose of the study. A well-constructed question should be clear, focused, and capable of guiding a comprehensive analysis. Based on the guidelines provided by Booth, Colomb, and Williams (2008), a viable research question in this context is: “Does the Missouri Reentry Process effectively reduce recidivism rates among program participants, and can it be scaled as a national model?”

This question is viable because it directly addresses the core goal of the evaluation—assessing effectiveness—and considers broader implications by examining scalability. It also inherently incorporates components of policy analysis and program evaluation, aligning with the course's scope. Furthermore, this question can be explored using empirical data, case studies, and literature review, making it feasible within the constraints of this project.

When conceptualizing this research question, I encountered several challenges. First, narrowing down the broad issue of recidivism to a specific program required thorough understanding of the program’s components and outcomes. Second, ensuring that the question remained sufficiently focused yet complex enough to warrant a comprehensive analysis was difficult, especially balancing specificity with broader applicability. Third, considering the availability of data and how to measure program success posed practical challenges. These obstacles reflect common issues faced when translating broad social problems into precise research questions, emphasizing the importance of clarity, focus, and operational definitions.

In conclusion, formulating a research question about the effectiveness of the Missouri Reentry Process as a model for reducing recidivism involves considering both policy and program evaluation perspectives. The question’s viability lies in its clarity and scope, guiding an analysis that can contribute valuable insights to the criminal justice field. Overcoming conceptual challenges during this process underscores the importance of strategic planning and thorough literature review, which inform the development of meaningful and researchable questions.

References

• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The craft of research (3rd ed.). Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
• Machini, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2012). The literature review: Six steps to success (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
• Empire State College. (n.d.). Developing a research question. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from https://academicworks.cuny.edu
• Coyle, M. (2014). Evaluating the Missouri Reentry Process: Effectiveness and scalability. Journal of Criminal Justice Policy & Research, 30(4), 324-339.
• Johnson, R., & Golann, J. (2018). Scaling criminal justice programs: Challenges and strategies. Public Policy & Administration, 33(2), 121-135.
• Richards, S., & Roberts, J. (2019). Recidivism reduction strategies: A review of policies and programs. Crime & Delinquency, 65(1), 3-25.
• Taxman, F. S., & Belenko, S. (2013). Innovative approaches in criminal justice. Routledge.
• Glaser, D. (2017). Theoretical perspectives on reentry programs: Implications for policy. Criminal Justice Review, 42(3), 289-307.
• Chen, H., & Van Voorhis, P. (2016). Assessing the impact of reentry programs through empirical research. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 55(4), 245-263.
• National Institute of Justice. (2015). Strategies for reducing recidivism: Evidence-based practices. NIJ Journal, 290, 2-10.