Prison research support group

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Comment by Fabio on March 19, 2012 at 21:25

Another way to go round their concerns (and given your exploratory stage) is to let them speak about "the others": it takes the pressure out and it is not going to affect them directly if they say something "wrong" as it's not them. 

(it's a technique used in psychology and is supposed to go round people's defences and concerns in relation to being judged (e.g. when talking about racism) - if you talk about what the others think or what the others do, the image of you other people have of you won't be jeopardised as you can always get out from judgements by saying "it's not me we're talking about". 

I would be happy to hear how it goes! when is the research going to take place? 

Comment by Gail Debono on March 19, 2012 at 20:52

Hi Fabio, I'll certainly consider that!! I think you may be right about the thematic analysis... With regards to the fabricated stories, you are more than right! I've had experience of a few of them... most stemming from boredom and low self esteem but you get the occasional few who want something else out of it, as you say, a case that comes to mind is one prisoner wanting to stitch another or a guard... Because of this, I am going to make sure that they understand that I am interested in their personal experience, and that nothing will be divulged, so they know that nothing they tell me will be used other than to answer the research questions. (Apart from the usual i.e. letting them know that since some have pending sentences, that they should tell me nothing that they wouldn't want divulged in court in the rare case i get supena'd... therein lies my challenge, I need to get the right info without them watching their backs too much.. but after giving it some though I realised that if they stick to their drug use, then they wouldn't tell me anything the court doesn't already know

Comment by Fabio on March 19, 2012 at 20:46

Hi Gail, 

good one. I am finding the same in relation to prisoners being willing to talk to those who show being able to listen (that shows that they are made in the same way we are!). But also from experience, be careful at the stories they tell you. I am not sure in relation to drugs but sometimes you can find those who tell you stories for the sake of it. I think perhaps letting them understand they're the experts in the field might motivate them more and have their full co-operation. and I guess, they want to get something out of it in some way.. well, that depends on the "type" of prisoner you get: there are those motivated by subjective advantage  - what can I get out of the situation - and those more prone to interact without having a personal profit. 

in relation to Grounded Theory: I understand the constraints of the time and ethics but is it the right approach? I mean, according to GT you would have to keep getting as many participants as you need to develop and deepen the themes that are emerging from your interviews. 15 participants is a sample for a PhD research I think.. (and I think that would be the best as if it's something yet to be studied you'll do an original piece of research and would be best to do a full deep research).

I think , if you had a chance to talk to them about drug use in the past you might have some ideas or themes to analyse: perhaps semi-structured interviews and use thematic analysis or software that might make your analysis quicker? (Nud*ist or similar) it might fulfill the needs for the master if you've limited time available but you could still have the chance to use the data for other analyses in the future? 

Just a thought..

Comment by Gail Debono on March 19, 2012 at 20:22

Hi Fabio, 

Thanks for your reply! It's a general study on drug use in prisons... but this time from the point of view of the prisoners... in Malta we have only 1 prison and drugs are rife in it, but authorities deny this, so I'm going through the prisoners themselves. I have done a brief placement with prisoners undergoing rehabilitation from substance misuse and I have found that they are more than willing to discuss any aspect of their lives, especially when somebody listens. What i will do of course, is spend a day with them explaining the purpose of the research and the reasons behind it. I am going to three centres, which have an average of 15 people each, and i am planning to get 5 from each (or an average of that over all three) so it's not too far a stretch. If anything, I am worried I will have too many participants (and obviously I'm only worried because of the time constraints to conduct so many transcriptions, translations and analyses)... because for ethical reasons, if more than 5 want to participate, I will not refuse them. 

Comment by Fabio on March 19, 2012 at 20:18

Hi Gail, 

What an interesting topic! I guess it raises plenty of ethical questions. I have not clear one thing, is it that you're looking to discover more about their use in the specific prison or just about prisoners who use drugs in prison? 

I think one of the issues I would be concerned about is to make clear with the prisoners that you're there fro pure research purposes and not for grassing on them with the prison. How have you established a relationship with the prisoners so you have their trust (and you're sure their reports are truthful)?

Hear you soon, 

Fabio

Comment by Fabio on March 19, 2012 at 20:13

Hi Anne, thank you very much for the availability! 

I am a little bit confused about the procedure: the prison told me they will need the clearance from uni. They also need the clearance from IRAS and they will have to accept approve the research. 

I have not clear which authorisation has to come first.  In which order do I have to seek for authorisation? Or is it possible to get through different applications at the same time? (the prison said they would need the confirmation of the university ethics committee acceptance but they didn't confirm whether they need it before I do the application..). 

Also, another, more specific question related to IRAS. In question A6-3 they ask: "Proportionate review of REC application  The initial project filter has identified that your study may be suitable for proportionate review by a REC sub-committee. Please consult the current guidance notes from NRES and indicate whether you wish to apply through the proportionate review service or, taking into account your answer to A6-2, you consider there are ethical issues that require consideration at a full REC meeting" - What is this about? I have no clue it is an application I have to make. 

Thank you very much,

Fabio

Comment by Gail Debono on March 19, 2012 at 18:43

HI all, I am a masters of forensic psychology student about to start my final research project, which I am conducting with prisoners undergoing substance misuse rehabilitation in Malta. I am conducting my research qualitatively, using in-depth unstructured interviews, and using grounded theory to establish a prisoner's views of drug use within the prisons... any tips or comments? 

Comment by Anne Pike on March 19, 2012 at 18:20

I have completed several IRAS applications - what's your problem?

Anne

Comment by Fabio on March 18, 2012 at 16:48

Hello all, again me and again issues with starting the project! 

I am filling in the forms for the HMP ethics clearance (called IRAS) and the form for the internal research committee of the prison. 

Has anybody had the same issues and is willing to share a word about them? 

Thank you very much, 

Fabio

Comment by Dominic Kelly on January 29, 2012 at 15:07

You're exactly right Fabio, it is a very selfish institution: they will only scratch your back if it is in their best interests.

I can only assume the "prison management rule" is much like the prison officers ultimate rule: don't snitch on their colleagues. Perhaps its an unwillingness to fully disclose details for fear of retribution.

Keep me updated on your progress...

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