Crime And Prison Recidivism Research Paper

The Effects of Education on Crime and Prison Recidivism

Garret VanDoren
CJ 3675 – 01
Dr. McManimon
April 23rd, 2014
Spring 2014

Prisons and correctional facilities across the United States and even throughout the world are becoming overcrowded and are causing major problems. Prisons are filling up so rapidly due to the extensive amount of crime that is plaguing the United States. It was reported that in September of 2012, prisons were overcrowded by 39 percent and it is expected to reach 45 percent by 2018 (United States, 2012). Criminals are extremely expensive and they are deteriorating an already problematic economy. Kyckelhahn (2008) reported that states and local governments during the year of 2008 spent $200 billion combined
The sampling technique that I would use is cluster sampling. The reason why cluster sampling is the most appropriate for my proposal is because I am dealing with an extremely large population from different regions and states so I need a sampling technique that can accommodate a large population. Cluster sampling involves a lot of random participants that fit into a specific criteria. The first step is to get the certain number of participants until an adequate level of data has been reached. After that, the random participants can be broken down into sub-divisions which correspond to the multiple variables with this research proposal. Cluster sampling is quite simple and is not as complicated as other sampling methods. The reason for that is because with cluster sampling, the participants are handed a questionnaire where all they need to do is answer a few questions. Not only it is simple, but this technique enables data to be generated very quickly. The questionnaires are not lengthy so it will only take a few minutes for each participant to answer. Another great aspect about this sampling technique is many questionnaires can be handed out and completed by other participants at the same time which will save a lot of time and effort for the researcher. Cluster sampling is also beneficial because it is cost effective. The only true cost for this research as a whole is transportation fees, printer paper, and printer ink. Other sampling techniques can be costly, but not
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