The Effect of Academic Skills on Prison Misconduct and Recidivism

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

Although many studies have uncovered a significant association between academic skills and deviance more broadly, surprisingly scant attention has been paid to whether academic skills can predict inmate misconduct or post-release recidivism. To fill the void, this study will be the first to assess the effect of academic ability on prison misconduct and recidivism after controlling for inmate background characteristics, institutional routines and experiences, and prison characteristics. Using a sample of over 100,000 adult inmates housed in 28 correctional facilities in Ohio, multilevel models of misconduct and recidivism are examined. Findings and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Heejin Lee, University of Cincinnati

• John Wooldredge, University of Cincinnati