Assignment: Working With Data

The Chi-Square case study was created to provide an alternative solution for non-violent offenders by promoting vocational rehabilitation and full-time employment (Plummer, Makris, and Brocksen, 2014). The plan was created for several reasons – one reason may be to create a system that would enhance the chances of success for newly released inmates and another reason is to establish a system that produces positive outcomes for prisoners transitioning back into society. By increasing the success rate upon release, this helps reduce recidivism rates if they are gainfully employed. Many prisoners are considered high risk based upon economic insecurity in that they find difficulties in obtaining employment after being release (Harding et al., 2014).

Use of Chi Square Statistic

In looking at the outcomes that are being measures, one has to take into consideration the cost associated with implementing such a program, as such, it is important to select the most accurate means of testing that will lead to the more cost-effective approach and yield accurate results. The chi-square statistic design is a quasi-experimental design that was conducted on whether the vocational rehabilitation intervention program showing its’ effective at promoting full time employment. This method presents clarity and provides replication with a minimum of one client outcome being measured (Dudley, 2014). The chi square statistic was chosen based on the concluding measures that yielded high levels of confidence the program had a casual effect on the client outcome (2014). Chi square further discern if a linkage exists between two or more variables.

Research Design: Observation and Intervention

In this study, the research design described in terms of observation involved the collection of information from both groups via surveys completed by their probation officer (PO) which highlighted their demographics and employment status. This information was gathered during the parolee’s meetings with their PO. For this study, the use of unstructured observation allowed for the evaluator to gather data from the PO considering he/she did not participate in the activities. The intervention group was the only group who benefited from vocational rehabilitation services while the comparison group did not.

Chi-Square Output Data about the Program

The findings of the output data suggest that the intervention was proven to be effective due to the belief the rehabilitation program was successful for inmates who were assigned to work full-time. The data also showed the intervention was successful in inmates’ employment status and reduction of recidivism among the intervention group. Considering the general narrative that individuals who have been previously incarcerated have trouble finding employment at all, this program provided progress. Additionally, the chi-square test concludes that there is a direct relationship between the program and the employment status of participants.

References

Document: Week 4: Handout: Chi-Square findings (PDF)

Dudley, J. R. (2014). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do. (2nd ed.) Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.

Harding, D. J., Wyse, J. J., Dobson, C., & Morenoff, J. D. (2014). Making Ends Meet After Prison. Journal of policy analysis and management: [the journal of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management], 33(2), 440-470.

Plummer, S-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (Eds.s). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year: Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. Vital Source e-reader.