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Value of Corrections Research: Learning What Works

NCJ Number
132064
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 24-26
Author(s)
J Petersilia
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the current state of corrections research, discusses the evolving importance of policy experiments in learning what works in corrections, and suggests how research findings should be used in public policy debates.
Abstract
Corrections policies are most often influenced by public opinion, fear, and political hype. If the profession is to operate rationally by setting achievable goals, it must rely upon objective research. Corrections research is seriously underfunded by the Federal Government, and most corrections research that is done focuses on program evaluation. Such research is typically unreliable because of flawed research design. Evaluations will only become useable by policymakers when the researcher can manipulate the assignment of cases into comparison groups, such that the two study groups are equivalent in all aspects except their participation in the program being evaluated. Significant progress on this front has been made only recently. Research should contribute to policy and practice, but it is not meant to provide the sole or even primary basis for it. Research should inform policymaking, not determine it. Researchers are responsible for providing policy -- relevant information, and correctional policymakers are responsible for constructing policy prescriptions based on research and other considerations. 5 references