A public opinion survey on correctional education: Does additional information on efficacy lead to additional support

Though much research has been done on the efficacy of correctional education on reducing recidivism rates for prison inmates, there is little research on the effect that information about the efficacy of correctional education has on public opinion. This study examined whether providing additional information regarding the efficacy of correctional education in reducing recidivism rates led to additional public support for correctional education.;One hundred subjects, forty-eight males and fifty-two females, were surveyed for this study, and were randomly assigned to either the control group or the test group. The control group received no additional information on the efficacy of correctional education on reducing recidivism rates, while the test group received information on the efficacy of correctional education on reducing recidivism rates. Results were statistically significant and revealed that people would support correctional education, increased government funding, and mandating inmate participation in correctional education programs. This study is an important step in exploring the relationship between public opinion, offender education, and the usefulness of educating the public about the efficacy of said education.