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Surveying Inmates: Notes from the Field

NCJ Number
133491
Author(s)
J F Farmer
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
On the basis of a survey of 435 inmates and 140 staff in a New England facility, methodological suggestions are proposed to facilitate survey research in correctional institutions.
Abstract
This paper makes suggestions to address some practical and theoretical problems inherent in conducting research in correctional facilities. These suggestions pertain to supplies, questionnaire simplicity, the involvement of trained inmate tutors, reaction of inmates to the survey, time factors, the use of easily understandable language, the availability of English and Spanish versions of the questionnaire, the value of good listening skills, contact persons, and the loss of confidentiality accompanying the use of informed consent.