NCJ Number
243086
Journal
Journal of Experimental Criminology Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 289-306
Date Published
September 2012
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the challenges of conducting a field experiment in a correctional setting.
Abstract
The challenges of conducting a field experiment in a correctional setting. This paper discusses the issues related to planning, design, and completion of a randomized control study of a correctional boot camp including the difficulties confronted and how these were or were not overcome. At the beginning, correctional administrators were interested in and supportive of the study and this greatly facilitated the initial work. However, as described in this paper, during the course of the research obstacles and difficulties arose. Using the boot camp experiment as an example, the study reviewed the trials and tribulations of trying to do a field experiment in corrections. The importance of collecting quantitative and qualitative in order to understand the experiences of both the control and experimental groups is emphasized, as is the need to examine the theoretical mechanisms hypothesized to lead to changes in outcomes. Some of the challenges confronted in this randomized control trial are those facing anyone attempting to conduct a field experiment, others relate to the particular issues faced by those who are conducting experiments in correctional settings. The paper concludes with a discussion of the issues confronting researchers who are doing field experiments in corrections. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.