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Evaluating Sensitive Topics: Access, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Design & Methodological Considerations
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| Presenter(s):
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| Billie-Jo Grant, Magnolia Consulting LLC, bgrant@magnoliaconsulting.org
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| Abstract:
Researchers and evaluators of sensitive topics investigate some of society's most pressing social issues and policy questions, but because of the intimate, discreditable, or incriminating nature of these topics (e.g. death, sexual abuse, violence, drug use, or homelessness), many methodological challenges can limit the design and execution of these studies (Lee & Renzetti, 1993). Drawing on the literature and experiences from a completed, institutional review board (IRB) approved, sensitive research study on sexual abuse, this paper presents recommendations for adapting research and evaluation designs for sensitive topics. Specifically, this paper (1) describes the legal, ethical, and confidentiality challenges associated with sensitive research designs, and (2) provides recommendations for subject recruitment, IRB approval, and study design.
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Sex Offender Recidivism and Treatment Effectiveness: What Do We Know, What Can We Know, and What Are the Implications for Policy and Practice
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| Presenter(s):
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| Roger Przybylski, RKC Group, rogerkp@comcast.net
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| Abstract:
According to the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), most states require convicted sex offenders to participate in treatment while in prison or on probation. One of the basic assumptions underlying this requirement is that sex offender treatment works, yet an important debate exists about how to interpret findings from sex offender treatment outcome studies. From an evaluation standpoint, much of the controversy about treatment effectiveness stems from the difficulties associated with measuring the reoffense rates of sex offenders, and the paucity of randomized controlled trials in sex offender treatment research. This discussion will begin with an overview of 1) key measurement issues in sex offender recidivism and treatment effectiveness research, and 2) findings from recent evaluations and meta-analyses of treatment effectiveness. This will be followed by an interactive audience discussion about sex offender recidivism and treatment effectiveness research methodologies and findings, and the implications they have for policy and practice.
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