CORRECTIONAL RESEARCH - AN ELUSIVE PARADISE (FROM PROBATION AND PAROLE - SELECTED READINGS, 1970, JOHN WILEY & SONS - SEE NCJ-03284)

• NCJ Number: 3444
• Journal: Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1965) Pages: 1-11
• Author(s): D GLASER
• Date Published: 1965
• Length: 14 pages
• Corporate Author: John Wiley and Sons
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

HISTORICALLY, COMMITMENT TO A CORRECTIONAL POLICY HAS ALMOST ALWAYS RESTED ON FAITH, RATHER THAN ON EMPIRICAL RESEARCH.

Abstract

AS SUCH, CORRECTIONAL CHANGE HAS OCCURRED BY CRISIS REACTION AND NOT BY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ON THE BASIS OF RESEARCH. IN PART, THIS IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE CO-OPTION OF RESEARCHERS BY ADMINISTRATORS AND TO THE ATTITUDES OF RESEARCHERS, WHICH ARE OFTEN DIVORCED FROM THE REALITY IN WHICH THEY FUNCTION. SUBSEQUENTLY, ADMINISTRATORS HAVE TENDED TO EQUATE CORRECTIONAL RESEARCH WITH SIMPLE HEAD COUNTING AND HAVE SUPPRESSED OR REANALYZED NEGATIVE RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS, BECAUSE THEY THREATEN ORGANIZATIONAL STABILITY AND SOVEREIGNTY. HOWEVER, WITH THE INCREASE IN PUBLIC SKEPTICISM ABOUT THE CLAIMS OF CORRECTIONAL POLICIES, IT IS NOTED THAT RESEARCH MAY ASSUME A ROLE IN DIRECTING CORRECTIONAL CHANGE.