Workable methodology - Research Proposal Example

Behavior Modification for Female Offenders Methodology The current study will be carried out using descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. The design will involve collecting data on a sample of respondents who will be selected to represent offenders/ex-offenders and correctional facilities officers. The study will target the Alabama Department of Corrections. In collecting data, the study will use stratified random sampling. In an attempt to gather empirical evidence for the purpose of gaining insights about the need for offender programs and treatment before release, the study will need to have first hand information which will be accessed through the use of questionnaires and interviews.

After data collection, editing, coding of similar themes, classification and tabulation of the data will be essential for efficient analysis. Descriptive and inferential analysis will be employed to measure and determine the relationship that exists among the variables. The researcher will also observe on research ethics by ensuring that the anonymity of respondents will be observed (Gregory, 2003). Cross-sectional survey design is concerned with relationships that exist, options that are held, and the processes to be taken.

In this regard, the current phenomena will be well articulated upon by this design. Arguably, the current situation of the trend of women offenders is alarming and needs to be looked at with caution. For example, the study will try to focus on variables that contribute to women offenders. Equally, the design will also hypothesis on the possibility of reducing recidivism for women offenders by adopting prelease and reentry programs. The cross section of respondents will be selected to represent women offenders and service providers from several correction centers under the Alabama Department of Corrections.

The study will use random sampling method in a bid to select correction centers under the Alabama Department of Corrections and purposive sampling will be used to select appropriate respondents from both the current women offenders and former incarcerated women. In collecting data, the study will utilize questionnaires in obtaining information from officers in the correction centers. This is crucial in that it will help to obtain wide range of information from the correction staff, and within the shortest time (Bryman & Bell, 2003).

On the side of obtaining information from current and former women offenders, the study will use interview guide to obtain information about their experiences during their time in prison. Validity and reliability of the instruments to be used in the study will be administered to the supervisor for their authentication of the instruments in relation to the current study. Before the actual study, pilot test will be conducted in two correction centers that are not under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Department of Corrections (Gaines & Miller, 2011).

This will be done to test whether there is ambiguity in any item and if the instrument could elicit the type of data anticipated and to indicate whether the research objectives are appropriately addressed to enhance reliability and validity.ConclusionAlthough the issue of .women offenders is widely researched on, it is apparent that there is a need to have a comprehensive study of the subject in the effort to find out workable solutions to the menace. This methodology is intended to obtain data that will be used to assess the importance of use of offender programs and prerelease treatment.

References:Bryman, A & Bell, E. (2003). Business Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press.Gregory, I. (2003). Ethics in research. Continuum International Publishing Group, London. Gaines, L. & Miller, R. (2011). Criminal justice in action. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Pub. Co.