Research Questions

Overarching Inquiry Question: What is the relationship between rate of recidivism and rehabilitation practices in prisons across the United States?

• Central Question 1 How do other countries, specifically Norway, do to maintain a low recidivism rate?
  • What rehabilitation practices are being used currently?
  • Why is there very little focus on punishment? (history behind this choice)

Rationale/explanation: This will help answer my overarching question because it will set the stage for what rehabilitation practices help maintain a low recidivism rate. Norway is known for their unique approach to prisons, with the focus on rehabilitation. Norway also has an incredibly low recidivism rate. This will highlight the relationship between rehabilitation and recidivism.

• Central Question 2 What is the current situation within the United States prison systems?
  • Are there any rehabilitation practices currently being used?
  • Why do we focus more on punishment than rehabilitation?

Rationale/explanation: This question will help readers understand the current state of U.S. prisons. I think this is important to my overarching question because it will paint a picture of how lack of rehabilitation creates a high recidivism rate. It will also show where we can improve, especially after reading about the Norwegian prisons.

• Central Question 3 How/what can the United States do to lower the rate of recidivism and implement some of the practices used in the Norwegian prison system?
  • Is this just an issue within the prisons?
  • Does the entire justice system need revisions?

Rationale/explanation: Since I am exploring this relationship, I believe that it’s important to address how to improve the situation. I also believe that it will defend that there are problems within the US prison system, like I am claiming there is. This question is moreso to defend my question rather than prove it, though equally important.