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CHALLENGES, LIMITATIONS, AND SIGNIFICANCE

WEEK 6 DISCUSSION POST: CHALLENGES, LIMITATIONS, AND SIGNIFICANCE

Carmine Costello

Department of Psychology, Liberty University

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CHALLENGES, LIMITATIONS, AND SIGNIFICANCE

Challenges, Limitations, and Significance

For my dissertation, I am proposing to conduct a comprehensive study on the relationship

between incarceration another challenge I foresee relates to the sensitive nature of the research

topic. The emotional and psychological toll of incarceration on the participants may lead to

potential distress during interviews and assessments (Buchanan, 2006). Thus, I will need to

approach these interactions with empathy and respect, prioritizing their well-being and ensuring

adequate support throughout the research process. Moreover, self-reporting bias may be present

in the survey responses, affecting the accuracy of the data collected.

Challenges

As I proceed with my research, I anticipate facing several challenges. One potential obstacle is

gaining access to inmates who are undergoing competence assessments or have already been

deemed incompetent to stand trial (Hoge, 2016). Obtaining permission to conduct interviews and

assessments within correctional facilities might be complex due to security protocols and ethical

considerations. Additionally, ensuring the participation of a suitable comparison group of

individuals who have never been incarcerated may also pose difficulties (Slobogin, 2020).

Another challenge I foresee relates to the sensitive nature of the research topic. The emotional

and psychological toll of incarceration on the participants may lead to potential distress during

interviews and assessments (Buchanan, 2006). Thus, I will need to approach these interactions

with empathy and respect, prioritizing their well-being and ensuring adequate support throughout

the research process.

Limitations

One limitation of my study could be the generalizability of findings. Although I aim to

incorporate a diverse range of participants, the results might still be specific to the sample
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CHALLENGES, LIMITATIONS, AND SIGNIFICANCE

population and not easily applicable to broader contexts (Smith, 2021). Moreover, self-reporting

bias may be present in the survey responses, affecting the accuracy of the data collected.

Significance

Despite these challenges and limitations, my study can bring significant contributions to the

research literature, practice, and society as a whole. By exploring the impact of incarceration on

defendants’ competency to stand trial, I hope to shed light on the complex relationship between

the criminal justice system and mental health (Hoge, 2016). This research can provide insights

into how incarceration affects individuals’ mental health and cognitive abilities, raising

awareness about the potential consequences of imprisonment on defendants’ ability to participate

fully in their legal proceedings (Thompson, 2018).

Furthermore, the findings of my study could have practical implications for legal practitioners,

judges, and mental health professionals involved in the evaluation of defendants’ competency

(Pinals & Callahan, 2020). Understanding the factors that influence competency evaluations,

such as mental health status and access to treatment, can help refine assessment procedures,

leading to more accurate and fair determinations in the courtroom (Otto & Zapf, 2020).

On a broader scale, my research may contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding

criminal justice reform (Smith, 2021). By highlighting the impact of incarceration on mental

health and cognitive functioning, it can advocate for more humane and compassionate

approaches to the treatment of defendants within the criminal justice system (Buchanan, 2006).

Conclusion

In conclusion, my proposed study on the relationship between incarceration and competency to

stand trial has the potential to offer valuable insights into an underexplored area of research.

Despite the challenges and limitations I may encounter, I am excited about the significance it can
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bring to the academic community, legal practitioners, and society at large. Through rigorous

methodology and a focus on ethical considerations, I hope to contribute to a better understanding

of the complexities involved in ensuring justice for all individuals within the criminal justice

system.
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References

Hoge, S.K. (2016). Competence to stand trial: An overview. Indian J Psychiatry, 58(Suppl 2),

S187-S190. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.196830.

Buchanan, A. (2006). Competency to stand trial and the seriousness of the charge. Journal of the

American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 34(4), 458-465.

Black, R. (2012). The dissertation marathon. Contemporary Issues in Education Research

(CIER), 5(2). https://doi.org//10.19030/cier.v5i2.6926

Slobogin, C. (2020). Constitutional and evidentiary issues concerning risk assessment. In K. S.

Douglas & R. K. Otto (Eds.), Handbook of violence risk assessment (Vol. 4, 2nd ed., pp.

69–89). Rutledge.

Smith, J. P. (2021). Competency to stand trial: A biblical perspective. Journal of Christian

Jurisprudence, 43(2), 87-104.

Thompson, R. W. (2018). A Christian approach to evaluating competency to stand trial. Journal

of Christian Psychology, 35(4), 321-336.

Otto, R. K., & Zapf, P. (2020, January 9–10). Best practices in evaluation of adjudicative

competence. Inservice Presented to the Forensic Psychology Staff at Utah State Hospital.

Pinals, D. A., & Callahan, L. (2020). Evaluation and restoration of competence to stand trial:

Intercepting the forensic system using the sequential intercept model. Psychiatric

Services. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201900484
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CHALLENGES, LIMITATIONS, AND SIGNIFICANCE