Methods and Kinds of Probation - Coursework Example

Methods paper: Kinds of probation Grade (26th, March. Methods paper: Kinds of probation Part One: Methodology Understanding the kinds of probation that are inexistent calls for the active involvement of the researcher in collecting information from a variety of sources, which may include the courts, the probation offices and the probationers themselves. Thus, it is essential to devices research methodology that will take into account different ways of obtaining information from different sources, considering that this is a topic that requires multi-source information, so as to create a full understanding of the natures of probations, what differentiates them, what are the essentials for qualification into each of the kinds of probation, and what are the applicable terms under each of the kinds of probation. In the light of this, a methodology that combines both interviews and survey emerges as the best methodology applicable for this research. First, in devising the suitable method that should be applied to facilitate acquisition of information regarding the topic of the kinds of probations in existent, the essential question that needs to be addressed, is why the methodology is best suited for the study. Various reasons accounts for the application of a methodology combining both interviews and survey, as the data collection methods. First, the application of interviews enables the researcher to ask the respondent several predetermined questions with little or no variations, thus avoiding the necessity for follow-up probing (Kothari, 2005). Additionally, the interviewer asks the respondents the interview questions as they observe them, allowing for the combination of both interview and observation methods in the data collection. This aspect is advantageous, since it enables the researcher to assess the truthfulness of the information given by the respondent, based on their expressions, confidence, tonal variations and fluency in articulating the issues. Interviews are also advantageous to use, since they are easier to administer, while also giving room for clarifications by the interviewer, whenever such clarifications are required (Kothari, 2005). On the other hand, surveys make an essential part of this methodology, since they allow the researcher to obtain more information that could not be easily obtained through other methods, such as opinions. Additionally, surveys provide an opportunity for the researcher to assess the attitude and characteristics of the respondents, which goes a long way in informing the researcher about the validity of the information granted by the respondents (Kothari, 2005). The second aspect, regarding the methodology most applicable to the case, is the issue of who the parties to be engaged in the search for information should be (Kothari, 2005). The parties to be involved in the search for information under this case are courts, the probation officers and the probationers. The essence of involving the courts as a source of information for this case is the fact that; courts are the ultimate determinants of the punishment that is deserved by an individual who is found guilty of having committed a crime. Therefore, the courts determine who should be the probationers, what should be the nature of their probations, and what terms and conditions that the probationers should fulfill while undergoing the probation (Raina, 1996). Thus, this study seeks to sample several courts, both the juvenile and the adult courts, to obtain information regarding the nature of probations that such courts commit probationers to, and the terms and the conditions they attach to the probations, as well as what they consider in determining which probationer is suited for what kind of probation. In the light of this, this study seeks to sample different 20 courts, in the categories of lower and upper courts, for the sake of getting diverse information regarding the nature of probations. The other parties who are vital to this study are the probation officers, since they are the ones directly involved in the execution and implementation of different kinds of probations, once they have been declared by the courts. The probationers are responsible for overseeing the fulfillment of the terms and conditions that have been attached to probation, while ensuring to maintain contact with the probationer, for the sake of informing the courts the whereabouts of the probationer, and how they are fairing with the fulfillment of the required terms and conditions (Raina, 1996). This study seeks to use a sample of 20 probationers, who are administering different types of probations, so that they can offer information regarding the nature of the probations they administer, the terms and conditions that are attached to such kind of probations, and the effectiveness of such kind of probations in addressing the behavioral change for the probationers. The study also seeks to sample different probationers, who are under different categories of the kinds of probations, to understand how the probationers qualified for the kinds of probations they are under, what terms and conditions they operate under in the category of the probation they are in, and how effective the kind of probation is, to address the required behavioral change for the probationers. The study seeks to sample different probationers, who will offer information regarding the nature of the different kinds of probations. The methodology will apply random sampling method while selecting the sample of the courts, the probation officers and the probationers, by using the existing court and probation office documents. The validity of random sampling technique is that; it has low chances of bias, since it selects the items to be included on the sample randomly, thus giving every item from the population to be sampled equal opportunities (Kothari, 2005). A sample of 60 respondents, which include 20 court officials, 20 probation officers, and 20 probationers, is sufficient to give reliable information regarding the nature and kinds of probations. The interviews will entail the use of open ended questions, so that the respondents are not restricted to certain answers, and thus they are allowed to elaborate and explain further, for better understanding. The survey will include a combination of both open-ended and closed questions, to allow for some elaborations, while also restricting the respondents to the subject of discussion. The interviews will take 15 minutes for each respondent, which is sufficient to obtain the required information from the respondents. The respondents will be interviewed and surveyed in their respective premises. Part Two: Interview questions What is your age and occupation? For how long have you operated in this field? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the occupation? What is your understanding of probation? How many kinds of probations exist? What differentiates the different types of probation that exists? How long does each kind of probation take? Who qualifies for probation? What are the specific elements that are considered while determining who qualifies for the probation? What is the main of objective of probation? What are the specific results that probation seek to achieve? How are the objectives measured? What are the parameters for determining the extent or level of achievement of the objectives? Is probation effective? Are there changes that can be made to make probation more effective? What changes are they? Part Three: Interview questions What is your age and occupation? For how long have you operated in this field? A. (1-2 years) B. (2-5) C. (5-10). D. Over 15 years Has this occupation influenced or changed your life in any way? (Yes) (No) If yes How? If No, Why? What is your understanding of the term probation? Do we have different kinds of probations? (Yes) (No) If yes, how many kinds of probation exist? What differentiates the different types of probation that exists? Who determines what kind of probation is suitable for a probationer? (Probationer) (Judge) (Probation officer) What are the specific elements that are considered while determining who qualifies for the probation? What is the main of objective of probation? (To punish the individual) (To rehabilitate the individual) (To reform the Individual) (A combination of several of the above reasons) Please explain your answer. How are the objectives measured? What are the parameters for determining the extent or level of achievement of the objectives? Is probation effective or are there changes that are necessary to make it more effective? What are your recommended changes that can make probation more effective? References Kothari, C. R. (2005). Research methodology: Methods & techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd. Raina, S. C. (1996). Probation: Philosophy, law, and practice. New Delhi: Regency Publications. Read More