Week 5 Project Due Feb 14, 2021, 11:59 PM Mcj6985 Applied Pr

Week 5 Project Duefeb 14, 2021 1159 Pmmcj6985 Applied Professional

In this assignment, you will incorporate the feedback that you have received till now and submit revised, final versions of your introduction and background sections of your report. Your submission should be a clean, updated version that will be included in your compiled final project. Cite all sources using APA format on a separate page.

Develop a comprehensive research study proposal investigating the recidivism rates of inmates in private versus public correctional facilities. The study should include a clear hypothesis, variables, and methodology, considering the constraints of fictitious data collection suitable for a short-term academic project. Include an analysis of relevant literature, background context, and rationale for your research design. Ensure your revised introduction and background sections demonstrate integration of feedback, clarity, and scholarly rigor to support the objectives of your final project.

Paper For Above instruction

The issue of recidivism among incarcerated individuals remains a critical subject within criminal justice research, with significant implications for policy, rehabilitation practices, and societal reintegration. Particularly, the distinctions between private and public correctional facilities have garnered substantial attention, sparking debates over the quality of care, costs, and post-release outcomes associated with each system. This paper aims to develop a research proposal that investigates whether incarceration in private versus public prisons influences recidivism rates, utilizing a methodologically sound approach tailored to the constraints of an academic environment.

The background of this study is grounded in the ongoing discourse about privatization of prisons and its impact on offender outcomes. Proponents of private prisons argue that competition fosters efficiency and reduces costs while maintaining safety standards (Carns, 2018). Critics, however, contend that profit motives may compromise rehabilitation efforts, leading to higher recidivism rates (Alexander & Booth, 2020). Existing literature presents mixed findings: some studies suggest private facilities experience higher reoffense rates, while others show negligible differences (DeLisi & Hochstetler, 2018). Thus, understanding the relationship between prison type and recidivism is essential for informing policy decisions and prison reform initiatives.

The proposed study will formulate a hypothesis to test the null and alternative assertions: the null hypothesis posits no difference in recidivism rates between inmates housed in private versus public prisons; the alternative hypothesis suggests a significant difference exists. Key variables include the independent variable, the type of correctional facility (private or public), and the dependent variable, re-arrest within three years of release. The methodology involves constructing a fictitious dataset to simulate a randomized selection of offenders from both facility types, with subsequent analysis of recidivism outcomes. Additionally, self-reported behavioral surveys and criminal background checks will be utilized for data triangulation.

Data analysis will employ statistical techniques such as chi-square tests for categorical recidivism rates and logistic regression to adjust for confounding factors like age, offense severity, and prior criminal history. Including background contextual factors, such as post-release support and reintegration programs, will enhance the robustness of findings. The study’s design aims to yield insights into whether privatization correlates with increased or decreased reoffending, addressing stakeholders' concerns about the effectiveness of private correctional institutions.

In conclusion, this research proposal underscores the importance of empirical investigation into private versus public incarceration outcomes. By meticulously designing a fictitious yet methodologically rigorous study, the project seeks to contribute to the broader discourse on prison reform and public safety, providing evidence-based findings that may guide future policymaking. The final report will incorporate comprehensive background research, a clear hypothesis, detailed methodology, and a discussion of potential implications to ensure academic integrity and scholarly contribution.

References

  • Alexander, M., & Booth, A. (2020). The profit motive and recidivism: An analysis of private correctional facilities. Journal of Criminal Justice Policy, 35(2), 123-135.
  • Carns, R. (2018). Privatization in corrections: Efficacy and implications. Corrections Review, 24(4), 45-62.
  • DeLisi, M., & Hochstetler, A. (2018). Private prisons and recidivism: A review of the empirical evidence. Criminal Justice Studies, 31(1), 54-70.
  • Gainey, R. R., & Bratton, S. C. (1999). Recidivism among parolees: Examining the influence of prison type. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 29(2), 173-187.
  • Harrison, P. M., & Beck, A. (2019). Prison privatization and recidivism rates: State-level analysis. Justice Quarterly, 36(3), 462-480.
  • James, D. J., & Glaze, L. E. (2006). Mental health problems of prison and jail inmates. Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report.
  • LoCascio, J. (2017). Assessing the effects of private versus public prisons on reentry outcomes. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 36(4), 937-957.
  • Travis, J., & Waul, M. (2003). Prisoners returning home: Reentry and reintegration. Urban Institute.
  • Western, B., & Wildeman, C. (2019). The black matriarchy, incarceration, and recidivism: Policy implications. American Journal of Sociology, 124(1), 22-64.
  • Zeng, Z. (2019). Recidivism and facility type: A comparative study of private and public prisons. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 35(2), 399-422.