Mair&May: Probation (Alternatives)

Question 1

Aim?

Answer 1

To investigate the experiences of offenders on probation orders in a cross section of offices in England&Wales

Question 2

Method?

Answer 2

A survey using a questionnaire

Question 3

Sample?

Answer 3

• 3299 offenders
• random selected from 22 probation offices
• representative of all crimes+ages

Question 4

Procedure?

Answer 4

• interviews conducted by independently employed researchers
• questions about offenders’ lives+likelihood or reoffending
• many likert scale q’s
• all closed q’s, multiple choice

Question 5

Results?

Answer 5

• avg 88% felt probation was extremely or very useful
• over 60% felt probation officer would help sort out problems
• 37% said it would stop them reoffending

Question 6

Conclusions?

Answer 6

• probation is seen in a positive light by offenders

* however, some who failed to keep all of their appointments were excluded from study, may have had neg opinions

Question 7

Strengths?

Answer 7

• large sample= higher external reliability

* quantitative data= easy to analyse+compare, higher internal reliability, higher usefulness

Question 8

Weaknesses?

Answer 8

• Gov supported= gatekeepers, social desirability?
• sample attrition= lower population validity
• questionnaire= social desirability
• ethnocentric
• assume PPs opinion= effectiveness

Question 9

Definition of probation?

Answer 9

When an offender is suspended whilst they are permitted to remain in the community, subject to the control of the court+under supervision of a probation officer.