Toward the one: Strengthening behavioral sciences research in corrections

Maturing behavioral science research in corrections to the next level of organization requires several strategies, each of which moves toward the one ideal of integration and collaboration. Several factors intrinsic to the business of research, its funding sources, and its incentives produce multiple levels of isolation, generate and maintain a fragmented state of knowledge, and limit the strength of behavioral sciences research in corrections. To raise consciousness of this issue, the factors underlying and sustaining this isolation and fragmented knowledge base are delineated. In addition, several strategies to strengthen the behavioral-sciences research process in corrections are presented. Specifically, they involve working toward the construction of research infrastructures built into correctional systems, developing collaborative models that extend beyond mere discussions and sharing of ideas between scientists and practitioners, and integrating once-disparate streams of literature and knowledge.