Survey Proposal
Background
Racial disparity in crimes and sentencing has been an intensifying debate subject in the society for years (Slyke & Bales, 2012). Globally, America is ranked as the leader in terms of the highest incarceration populace with 25 percent of the global custodial populace (Slyke & Bales, 2012). Close to 65 percent of the incarcerated populace is comprised of the ethnic minorities (Deflem, 2017). Despite the rising concerns the prevalence has been on the rise which has grown to not only a social but also an economic issue (Deflem, 2017).
Research Question: What are the major causes of crime and sentencing disparities?
Hypothesis: Socio-economic and racial status hold a noteworthy effect on sentencing consequences and crimes disparity.
Study Population
The researcher wishes to conduct the investigation on a selected sample of about a hundred participants. In that, this will include prison inmates, prison officers as well as administrators from comparable prisons. The selected population will be that which reflects identical disparity sentencing as well as criminal conduct features in relation to race and crime type (Babbie, 2008). A sampling of the populace will be done through the use of random sampling in order to ensure that the there is no discrimination and that accuracy and dependability are enhanced.
Research Questions Sample
- What is the root cause of sentencing disparity?
- Do you believe that sentencing and crime differences are fueled by socio-economic as well as racial forces?
- How does socio-economic status impact crimes and sentencing?
- Mention some of the probable interventions that can be applied in controlling crime and sentencing disparity?
- Is communal policing capable of lowering crime disparities and sentencing? (Yes or No).
- Is the society affected by crime disparity? If Yes how?
- Do the existing sentencing and criminal disparity demonstrate the inability of the justice system or inequality?
- Does sentencing disparity encourage racial or social discrimination? How?
- Is sentencing disparity derived from unequal treatment of equally situated persons on the basis of their status?
- Has the government done enough to address the issue?
Survey Technique and its Advantages
The research will mainly utilize mail survey which will involve sending self-administered questionnaires to the respondents. The questionnaires will be returned to the researcher’s address after filling. The technique is suitable for the study given that it is objected at collecting large information within the shortest time (Babbie, 2008). It is easier to maintain the confidentiality of the respondents and also to acquire consent prior to conducting the research. The strategy is also considerably less expensive as compared to all the other modes of gathering information. In addition, when more data has been gathered this implies that the analysis process is simplified and the researcher cannot divert from the set objectives (Babbie, 2008).
The mail questionnaire survey was selected on the ground that it will ensure that the respondents agree to participate in the study given that the filling can be done at any given time and location (Babbie, 2008). The technique is characterized by fewer restrictions given that the respondents will have adequate time to review the questions as well as develop strategic answers (Babbie, 2008). This will not only result in truthfulness but also accuracy. In that, the filling is most likely to consume less than half an hour which will create more time for the researcher to analyze the responses. Based on the existing time and resources limitation the technique is the most appropriate for this investigation.
References
Babbie, E. R. (2008). The basics of social research. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
Deflem, M. (2017). Race, ethnicity and law. Emerald Publishing.
Shanna V. Slyke, William D. Bales. (2012). Punishment & Society. Pp. 217-246. Vol 14. Issue 2.
