Correctional Research and Correctional Decision-Making: Some Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This examination of the relationship between research and decision-making is based primarily on experience in the Massa chusetts correctional system, where a program of evaluative and operational research was recently established. Research findings have not been readily incorporated into the decision-making con text, particularly where findings have implications for changes that do not jibe with the basic assumptions or orientations of correctional administrators. What seems to be necessary is the development of a research orientation within the correctional setting wherein research would be considered an essential ingre dient of the overall correctional enterprise. Research leading to the development of a prescriptive penology or differential treat ment model could make a significant contribution to correctional decision-making.