Document Type

Capstone Project

Publication Date

Spring 5-12-2023

Keywords

Long-Term Prison Sentences, Illinois, Criminal Justice, Qualitative Research, Post-Release

First Advisor

Dr. Liv Stone

Abstract

The Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council (SPAC) partnered with Dr. Kathryn Bocanegra of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to conduct a two part research study examining the impact of long term prison sentences in Illinois state facilities. This study is unique, in that it incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in its data collection and analysis. The purpose of this report is to exemplify the process used to develop the qualitative research interview questions for the UIC study. Components of this process, including relational meetings, and recommendations provided by stakeholders in the criminal legal system for conducting post-release prison research, are described in this report. By analyzing how we developed the qualitative research questions and protocol for the UIC study, we are able to emphasize a human-centered approach to Illinois post-release prison analysis.

Share

COinS