Infusing probation with motivational messaging..
Infusing probation with motivational messaging. The Massachusetts Department of probation wants to use Smartphone technology to help probationers stay in compliance with supervision conditions. The idea is to provide motivational support to probationers under supervision. The philosophy is that if probationers are reminded of achievements during supervision, such as staying drug free over time, making their treatment appointments, etc. then they will be motivated to stay in compliance. Probation officers think text messaging using Smartphone technology would be the best way to deliver the messaging when achievements are met rather than waiting for an office visit. They want to conduct an evaluation in one large jurisdiction to see if it is effective before implementing it statewide. The purpose of this assignment is to draft a research proposal on the above topic. The research proposal will be approximately 10-12 pages of well-written and well-organized text and will address the following aspects of a proposed research project: This assignment will be in addition to the literature review previously completed and attached for reference. (Note: I will attach two other research proposals to use as an example for the desired format.) 1. Proposal Topic: (5-6 page limit) Identify the issue or problem, present the research question, importance and literature review. Note: Literature review already completed and attached. (30%) 2.Key Concepts: Describe the key concepts (IV and DV) involved and how they will be operationalized (measured) in the proposed research approach. (10%) 3. Design:(3 pages) Explain the research design (classic experiment, quasi-experiment,etc). Include: target population and proposed sampling design; a data collection strategy (survey, interview, administrative data); discuss data collection concerns (type and quality, strengths and limitations) and the rationale for the proposed approach; provide example(s) of data collection instrument (survey, questionnaire, coding instrument,etc. ) (35%) 4.Plan: Describe a proposed analytic plan (how are you going to examine the data to answer your questions – will you make group and time comparisons?) (10%) 5.Implications: Discuss the implications of possible findings. (10%) 6.Resources: Discuss the resource needs: how the research should be staffed, the cost implications and the likely research timetable. (5%)