Choosing a Second Worldwide Simulation Japan Project Topic When the Initial One Falters
By Andrea Reino, Social Sciences Correspondent
The process of choosing a new Junior Paper (JP) topic can be a challenging one, as Andrea Reino, a researcher, recently discovered. After spending a significant amount of time developing her initial JP topic, she found that it was too general and not empirical enough, as advised by her professor.
In her new research, Reino is focusing on the gap between articulated written policy and actual procedure in women's prisons in New York, specifically regarding shackling inmates during labor and delivery. This narrower focus allows for a more focused investigation on a tangible problem at a local, state level, rather than through a federal lens.
To find examples of shackling inmates during labor and delivery in women’s prisons in New York for her research paper, Reino suggests looking into several key areas.
Firstly, reviewing the legal and legislative history documenting cases before reforms is crucial. New York State passed anti-shackling laws (Senate Bill S983A in 2015-2016) prohibiting shackling pregnant or postpartum women for eight weeks, indicating that shackling during labor had occurred to prompt these laws. Earlier lawsuits and advocacy reports related to these reforms often contain specific examples.
Secondly, searching for lawsuits and legal cases brought by incarcerated pregnant women or advocacy groups can be beneficial. The Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm, known for representing inmates in medical malpractice and rights cases, may have public records or summaries containing examples of shackling and medical neglect.
Thirdly, exploring advocacy and human rights reports focused on pregnant incarcerated women or prisoners’ medical care in New York can provide valuable insights. Organizations like Human Rights Watch, ACLU, and local prisoner advocacy groups often publish New York-specific reports that can aid in the research.
Fourthly, prison guard and inmate interviews, news investigations, and academic research about conditions in New York women’s prisons can offer a wealth of information. For example, The Marshall Project has covered abuse and neglect in New York prisons extensively, though specific labor shackling cases might be found in their broader coverage or archives.
Lastly, consulting New York State legislative records and testimony related to Senate Bill S983A and subsequent bills on prisoner reproductive health is essential. Recent legislative developments as of 2025 show ongoing concerns around prenatal and postpartum care in prisons, suggesting continuing advocacy with documented cases or testimonies might be available through New York State Senate bill hearings and public commentary.
Currently available sources reference the existence of shackling before 2015 reforms and ongoing issues with medical neglect, but do not specify particular cases of shackling during labor in New York women’s prisons. Accessing court records, advocacy group archives, and legislative hearings would likely provide direct examples for Reino's research.
Reino may revisit her prior research topic in her senior thesis if she remains interested. In the meantime, she believes that taking a step back and looking at her paper with fresh eyes has proven beneficial in her new research journey. She follows a pro-tip to avoid starting over completely: try to change the focus just enough so it works within the context of the assignment, while still retaining some of the original ideas.
The WWS Task Force for Junior Researchers to Senior Commissioners is a valuable resource for researchers like Reino, offering guidance and support throughout the research process.
- In her senior thesis, Andrea Reino might reconsider her initial junior paper topic on a broader education-and-self-development subject, applying the lessons learned about making empirical and focused research through personal-growth.
- The WWS Task Force for Junior Researchers to Senior Commissioners, a valuable resource for researchers like Andrea Reino, provides guidance and support not only for choosing a junior paper topic but also for progressing to senior thesis level, promoting continual learning and development.
