Introduction
Joe and colleagues wrote the article (2012). The article is based on the growing number of inmates in both local and federal prisons as a result of drug addiction. The purpose of the report was to look into various intervention mechanisms that could be utilized to lessen the country’s ever-increasing convict population. The authors of this article have done an admirable job of addressing the current study using a broad collection of previous studies done on the issue via a comprehensive literature review (Ulibarri et al., 2015). The article has used several suitable and applicable references from past literature which has well connected the topic to its core objectives.
Literature Review
Both in the introduction and background information, the appropriate and matching literature of previous investigations have been widely used to hinge the topic to its aims; as well as drawing the relevant illustration from previous findings. A critical analysis of the research opines the authors did a great work in reviewing the overall literature related to the study. All work used were recently published, up to date, and well linked and cited.
Additionally, through the applicability of diverse literature citations made by the writers; the reader of the article is precisely introduced to the topic and probably what the researchers were up to by linking what was done and what is being investigated. In keeping the literature review for the analysis premium, the authors used it to bring to the attention of what other studies had done on this topic, the weaknesses and strengths of each study; while vividly highlighting the research gap in the literature which necessitated the study being conducted (Ulibarri et al., 2015). Furthermore, through the literature review provided in this study, the authors also opened up different approaches which had been taken by past studied like methods, assumptions as well as scales used in their studies. This was important as it only gives the reader the confidence in reading; and applying research findings because it initially signifies to him or her that the topic was well covered and reached. Generally, the authors used relevant literature which not only contributed to the flow of thoughts but also contributed to the comprehension and internalization of the topic.
Research Design
The design adopted by authors was descriptive in nature; as it aimed at investigating and describing the problem from a wider perspective. Additionally, the study was quantitative in as different variables were expressed quantitatively. The design was adequate to investigate the problem. Much of description regarding the past and the present status about the topic was significant in carrying out the study.
Regarding the selection method, the random selection may be important and useful, as it may help in determining which is the most affected the issue. However, the independent traits do not determine the characters of the group, and everyone has his/her characteristics that are very different from those of others. In this case, the authors should have come up with other methods of collecting information rather than randomly collecting individuals (Puyana et al, 2017). Sampling may also not be sufficient, as it is possible that there were some individuals who were willing to contribute but they did not get that chance. A total of 1573 criminal justice-involved people from 20 prison facilities from a total network of criminal justices related centers were randomly selected.
However, depending on the number of prisons and the number of inmates involved in drug-related crimes, the study could have used more individuals. Different models were used to measure the intervention rates and behavior among the inmates. For instance, KAP Model and Evaluation of Self and Treatment (CEST) many others were used (Joe et al., 2012). The models representing different forms of measures were well descried and validly applied. The reliability and validity of the measures were conducted and compared against what other researchers had established and thus cresting consistency in the measures utilized. In regard to the purpose and nature of study, the above-mentioned measures were the best to be recommended.
Data Analysis Procedures
Primary data was analyzed quantitatively using different measures. Nonparametric statistics like P-value and F-value were used to evaluate the validity and achievement of the research hypothesis. The researchers did a good job in evaluating the hypothesis in relation to other study variables (Ulibarri et al., 2015). Consequently, it opened up the study for deeper understanding. Numerical data was represented graphically for better understanding of the relationship between the variables. Tables were clearly labeled and presented (Puyana et al., 2017). All study variables were well controlled and measured as the scales of measurement were adopted from previous scales which have been applied in different investigations due to their appropriateness. Majority of the statements made in data analyzed were well reasoned out and presented and thus overcoming reductionist reasoning. Internal validity of the instruments was well conducted and had close link to what other analyses had developed and thus applicable to the study.
Findings
Using the CJ-CEST and CJ-CTS measures, the researchers found out that the inmates’ thinking has a week relationship with behavior compared to knowledge, their attitude and psychological functioning. The study also established that by using TIC model, motivation did not influence inmate’s critical thinking. In addition, the research established that a sustained prion behavior change intervention could be achieved by using stage-based planning techniques. Additionally, it was established that there is a need for continual behavior change program by the provider. This can help the inmates in recovering their past conduct and avoiding unethical conducts (Baral et al., 2014).
Ethical Issues and Human Subjects Review
Research ethics were upheld by the researchers. All participants were required to consent before being admitted as respondents. Anonymity was also enhanced to enhance their privacy. The study subject matter was also made known to the participants before giving their contributions.
Overall Impression
Generally, the research topic was worth being studied. However, the researchers did not define their objectives openly. Research methods were also well brought forth as much was discussed. In addition, literature presented on the topic was limited. The literature coherently grounded the concept. Findings and summary were well discussed, and references made.
In the today’s society, the question of drug addiction is on the rise. Issues such as rape, murder, the spread of HIV, sex-related violence and theft have increased (Wise & Koob, 2014). Consequently, it is caused by the need for money, low self-control, and poor decision making and getting angry quickly. The research has highlighted all those concerns. Besides, it has highlighted the recommendations on how to deal with this issue. If the government and community-based organizations can apply these recommendations, dealing with the drugs and their related issues would be very easy. That is why I would recommend the publication of this journal.
References
Joe, G. W., Knight, K., Simpson, D. D., Flynn, P. M., Morey, J. T., Bartholomew, N. G., … & O’Connell, D. J. (2012). An evaluation of six brief interventions that target drug-related problems in correctional populations. Journal of offender rehabilitation, 51(1-2), 9-33.
Puyana, J. C., Puyana, J. C. J., Rubiano, A. M., Montenegro, J. H., Estebanez, G. O., Sanchez, A. I., & Vega-Rivera, F. (2017). Drugs, violence and trauma in México and United States. Medical principles and practice.
Wise, R. A., & Koob, G. F. (2014). The development and maintenance of drug addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology, 39(2), 254-262.
Baral, S., Holland, C. E., Shannon, K., Logie, C., Semugoma, P., Sithole, B., … & Beyrer, C. (2014). Enhancing benefits or increasing harms: community responses for HIV among men who have sex with men, transgender women, female sex workers, and people who inject drugs. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 66, S319-S328.
Ulibarri, M. D., Roesch, S., Rangel, M. G., Staines, H., Amaro, H., & Strathdee, S. A. (2015). “Amar te duele”(“Love hurts”): sexual relationship power, intimate partner violence, depression symptoms and HIV risk among female sex workers who use drugs and their non-commercial, steady partners in Mexico. AIDS and Behavior, 19(1), 9-18.
