Interior architectural design has a direct effect on an individual's use of a space and mental state while within a space. The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of prison architectural design on prisoner rehabilitation in 2011. Historical and conceptual analysis of selected prisons, their inhabitants, including staff and inmates, and architectural staff can provide data specific to place and population.
Questionnaires distributed to participants gather their opinions of various architectural design elements they experience on a regular basis. An additional group of participants from within the sampling frame may be the prison architects and interior designers involved in the projects although their involvement would involve interviews and not participation in questionnaires. They could possibly be involved prior to the questionnaire development to better assess architectural elements of significance.
Stratified sampling subgroups could include race, age, gender, reason for incarceration, facility type (high vs. low security) and participants could also be group based on the type of architectural design with which they inhabit. (style/era/concept) This type of probability sampling method could allow for results to be expressed as a generalization for the prison populations of the selected prisons.
An effective non-probability sampling method would be quota sampling. Inmates and staff from the above mentioned subgroups could be selected based on staff recommendations to provide the most diverse range of opinions.
Questionnaires distributed to participants gather their opinions of various architectural design elements they experience on a regular basis. An additional group of participants from within the sampling frame may be the prison architects and interior designers involved in the projects although their involvement would involve interviews and not participation in questionnaires. They could possibly be involved prior to the questionnaire development to better assess architectural elements of significance.
Stratified sampling subgroups could include race, age, gender, reason for incarceration, facility type (high vs. low security) and participants could also be group based on the type of architectural design with which they inhabit. (style/era/concept) This type of probability sampling method could allow for results to be expressed as a generalization for the prison populations of the selected prisons.
- Pros: range of participants identified which provides more accurate participant data from which to base generalizations, questionnaires can be controlled to provide a consistent means of gathering data
- Cons: opportunity for sampling error if sample size isn't representative of the population, lack of interest by participants in the questionnaire
An effective non-probability sampling method would be quota sampling. Inmates and staff from the above mentioned subgroups could be selected based on staff recommendations to provide the most diverse range of opinions.
- Pros: greater control over sample to lower the risk of sampling error
- Cons: by involving prison staff in sample selection process there is an opportunity for bias towards inmates being selected and whether staff want their opinions known (prison politics)
I think that either sampling method could be effective. I question whether it is possible to not involve prison staff in participant selection. Quota sampling would allow me to create subgroups and provide direction regarding selection criteria. By involving staff in the selection process rates of violence, reason for incarceration and other inmate details could be discussed as well. The sample size is difficult for me to determine at this time. It depends on the number of subgroups or variables used and the number of prisons involved in the research.
This is such an interesting subject, but this will also be a very difficult subject to research. Getting access to prisoners is very difficult. When we talk about research ethics, you will find that they are one of the protected populations. So I want you to think about a number of alternative strategies which would allow you to get data. You already mention talking to prison employees. You might talk to former inmates participating in some rehabilitation program. You might interview prison architects. I think the thing to do would be an in-depth case study of a prison, where you would interview people connected to it. Or it could be a multiple case study (2 or 3 different prisons). Think about these issues of feasibility.
ReplyDeleteGood work.