¶ … minds of the researchers. It is hoped that these studies also provide information that assists in addressing issues that need to be addressed. In this particular case a study is proposed to assist the researcher(s) in understanding exactly how prevalent drug use is amongst parolees and, perhaps more importantly, why is it so prevalent. It is hoped that by understanding the extent of the problem, as well as the why, that an approach can be developed to effectively help lower the incidence of drug use amongst those individuals that are most likely to be adversely affected - in that they could be returned to jail. It is hypothesized that nearly fifty percent of the individuals on parole continue a lifestyle that includes using alcohol and drugs in the same manner that they did before their latest incarceration. It is also hypothesized that their alcohol and drug use is due to a number of variables including; accessibility, peer pressure, lack of job opportunities, and limited education.

Since this study will of necessity need to gather both quantitative and qualitative data a mixed research design is proposed. The data will be collected...

The essay form questionnaire allows responses from participants in an essay style that provides data on perceptions, thoughts, ideas and feelings. Since these are qualitative responses, the data will be qualitatively analyzed to help determine the underlying causes of drug use amongst the respondents. The participants to the study will include the parolees who willingly agree to participate.
Some of the variables that the researcher will have to consider in a study of this type includes the fact that the participants are parolees who may not be totally forthcoming in nature.

Admitting that you are using drugs (especially if they are illicit drugs) and alcohol whilst on parole could mean that the parolees would wind up right back in jail. This is a huge consideration. Maintaining the participant's anonymity and privacy is a variable that could lead to a strong bias in this study; a bias that the researcher has to acknowledge and consider. An additional variable is that the study…