Prison Education Program Participation and Recidivism

This study utilizes logistic regression techniques to investigate the effect of prison education program participation on recidivism rates. I tested the hypothesis that inmates who actively participate in educational programs have a lower likelihood of being reconvicted. The purpose of this study is to help identify correctional programs that have a positive impact on recidivism, to then suggest policies that are directed at rehabilitating inmates and, ultimately, to reduce recidivism rates.</p><p> I used pre-existing data from reputable sources so I did not have to survey inmates. The initial tests found that there were several variables that had a relationship with recidivism. The logistic regression test showed that inmates who participate in prison educational programs are less likely to be reconvicted upon release from prisons than those who participate in both educational courses and vocational training.</p><p> Recommendations that result from this finding include an increase in the number and quality of educational programs in prisons. One hopes that these recommendations will help decrease the number of people who violate the law upon their re-entry into society.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy

Year dc:date.available

2007

Author dc:creator

• Ismailova, Zarona

Contributors dc:contributor

• Charles F. Hanna
• Norman Conti

• education
• prisons
• recidivism
• social learning theory

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/685

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-1701