NCJ Number
148919
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1994) Pages: 256-272
Date Published
1994
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the objective and predictive value of the Nebraska Department of Corrections' Inmate Classification Model, a variation of the Federal Prison System's Model.
Abstract
A sample of 458 male offenders was assessed on 11 predictor variables (five classification variables and six demographic variables) and five institutional adjustment variables. In testing the model's objectivity, Pearson product-moment correlations were used to determine the relationship between the independent variables and custody level. If the model was making objective classification decisions, there should be strong correlations between the classification variables and custody level. On the other hand, if any of the demographic variables were significantly correlated with custody level, then the model's objectivity would be questionable. In testing the model's predictive validity, canonical correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between the set of independent variables and the set of adjustment variables. Results show that the Nebraska model was making objective classification decisions based solely on the classification variables; however, the model was not a valid instrument for predicting the offenders' institutional adjustment problems. Age and education level -- two variables not included in this model -- emerged as the best predictors of adjustment. These findings suggest that the model's predictive value could be improved by incorporating valid predictor variables into the classification process. 3 tables and 29 references