Industry Research Problem

The Industry Problem:
Despite declining crime rates, imprisonment rates in Australian states and territories are rising. In fact, the imprisonment rate in Australia has more than doubled from the mid-1980s to the latest figures in 2022. Indigenous Australians are impacted most by the continual rise – and are now the most imprisoned people on Earth. More recently, imprisonment rates for women are also rising at a greater speed than rates for men. Once people have been imprisoned, their chances of returning to prison again are high. Imprisonment is also costly. Australia spends an estimated $4.2 billion a year on prisons (Leigh, 2022).
The federal Labor government in Australia has said that imprisonment “fails to reduce recidivism, provide effective outcomes for victims of crime or to make our communities safe” (ALP, 2021). They have proposed to work with states and territories to pursue evidence-based policies and practices that help to reduce the use of imprisonment.
They want researchers like you to help them to understand how to reduce the use of imprisonment.

Your task:
As a researcher employed to consider the problem, your task is to write a research paper that explains how we got here, what can be done about it, and how the solution can be justified.
More specifically, your paper must include the following:
A clear introduction to your paper.
An explanation of how we got here: Using one of the sociological theories from the course, explain how we have arrived at the point we are at now. In other words, which theory do you think helps to explain the continuously rising rate of imprisonment? How does the theory explain the rise? (Any theory can be selected, there is no “right” answer. Week 4 materials will help you here).
An evidence-based alternative to imprisonment: Drawing on the research literature you must propose and clearly explain a solution, and why it might work.
A penological rationale: Briefly explain which penological rationale discussed in the course justifies your solution, and why. (Any rationale can be selected, there is no “right” answer. Week 3 materials will help you here).
A clear conclusion: Provide a conclusion that summarises your key finding(s) and briefly reflects on whether, how and why you think your plan is good.

Important rules to follow in writing your paper
To address the industry problem, students will prepare a 1,500-word research paper (plus or minus 10%, excluding references). The paper is designed to test your critical understanding of the course material as applied to the problem. Details of the topic and paper requirements will be posted on Blackboard near the beginning of the semester.
The paper must include a minimum of seven scholarly sources. However, students are reminded that this is a research paper which requires that any and all sources must be cited when discussing, summarising, or paraphrasing the ideas or research of others. Please review the UQ Student Academic Integrity policies here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/student-integrity-and-conduct/academic-integrity-and-student-conduct
The paper must include proper citation following the APA 7th style of referencing, please refer to the guide available in the library (https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/apa7). Appropriate sources include monographs, book chapters, journal articles, and government reports. Publications that are available electronically (such as from the Trends and Issues series from the Australian Institute of Criminology, reports of the Crime and Misconduct Commission, or articles from journals available through the library’s electronic holdings) can be used.
The paper must be double-spaced and typed (in 12-point font), with each page numbered. Please ensure that the paper has been proof read. For further information about the presentation of the paper, students should refer to the School of Social Science Assignment Writing Guide (https://social-science.uq.edu.au/files/1725/EssayWritingGuide_SocSci.pdf).
The Use of AI: This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Last Completed Projects