Department Social Science Research

(1) Research Design. A research design for Department research shall be prepared in accordance with 103 CMR 180.06(6). (2) Superintendent Review. If the study is to be performed at a correctional institution, the superintendent shall have the opportunity to review the research design and make any recommendations prior to the start of research. (3) Division Head Review. If the study is to be conducted in conjunction with a Department division, the Division Head shall have the opportunity to review the research design and make any recommendations prior to the start of the research. (4) Commissioner Review. The Commissioner shall have the opportunity to review the research design and make the decision regarding approval or disapproval of the research. (5) Voluntary Participation of Inmates. If the research design calls for the direct participation of inmates, such as by responding to interviews or completing questionnaires, it shall be made clear to all inmates that their participation in the research shall be voluntary. (6) Dissemination of Research Results. Research results shall be available to the Commissioner and, in instances where the study has been conducted at a correctional institution, the superintendent. Research findings shall ordinarily be published and distributed, unless it had previously been determined by the Commissioner that the study be conducted for internal purposes only.