The author drew on a recently completed longitudinal study of the re-offending rates of 199 male and female probationers in 6 English probation jurisdictions in order to illustrate exemplary research in this field. The study participants were representative of national caseloads in terms of their age, gender, ethnicity, and criminal history. The goal of the study was to examine how probation supervision helped lower offender recidivism. After reviewing the findings of the longitudinal study, the article presents two case studies of offenders under probation supervision to further illustrate the elements of quality research in the field of probations. Through an analysis of the case studies, the author challenges the legitimacy of the traditional, or common, wisdom of what works in the field of probation supervision. The author asserts that in order to transcend the traditional wisdom, researchers must embark on a new style of research concerning probation outcomes. Notes, references