Evaluating Parole Processes and Outcomes
Jennifer Skeem, Professor
Social Welfare
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2025 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2026.
About Us
Risk-Resilience Research (RRR) is a fun, dynamic, interdisciplinary team of students, staff, and scholars at the University of California, Berkeley. Our mission is to improve justice, safety, and well-being for people and communities at risk, through policy-relevant research. The RRR lab is directed by Professor Jennifer Skeem, a psychologist affiliated with the Goldman School of Public Policy and School of Social Welfare. For more about us and our work, please see: http://risk-resilience.berkeley.edu/
The goals of this project are to describe differences in California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR) Board of Parole (BPH) hearing processes and outcomes; and to explore the implementation of structured decision-making tools and their potential effect on hearing outcomes.
Role: We are seeking dedicated and detail-oriented apprentices to contribute to an important qualitative study. This research involves the systematic observation and reliable coding of information from California parole hearings conducted virtually via Zoom. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis within a sensitive and complex field.
Responsibilities
• Attend scheduled virtual parole hearings via Zoom.
• Observe proceedings diligently and reliably code specific, pre-defined information according to strict study protocols.
• Maintain meticulous notes and ensure the accuracy and integrity of coded data.
• Adhere to all research ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
• Stay engaged for the full duration of each observed hearing, which can last up to three hours and may occasionally run over the allotted time.
• Attend a mandatory weekly team meeting to discuss progress, challenges, and data coding protocols.
Qualifications: Applicants must be currently enrolled as a student in their second year or above and demonstrate a strong academic record, evidenced by a good GPA.
Success in this role requires highly developed organizational and time management skills. Candidates must possess a critical ability to pay close attention to detail for extended periods and be extremely reliable and punctual, consistently attending all scheduled sessions on time.
A commitment of 8-12 hours per week is required. Applicants must be available to attend hearings typically scheduled for 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, or 1:30 PM. Flexibility to attend sessions during these windows is necessary, including the commitment to stay until the end of each hearing, even if it exceeds the expected time. Reliable access to a computer and a stable internet connection for Zoom participation is essential.
Prior experience or coursework in qualitative research methods, particularly observational studies or data coding, is highly valued. A demonstrated interest in relevant fields such as criminology, sociology, law, psychology, or public policy will also be considered. Commitment and accountability are of extreme importance to this position.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Dr Sharon Farrell
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Social Sciences