The modification of criminal personality through massed learning by programmed instruction
Date
1970
Authors
Parlett, Thomas Arthur Antony
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Abstract
This study investigated the possibility that the personality patterns of criminals could be modified through massed learning by programmed instruction. Programmed instruction was presumed to be the important variable in the case of a number of previous researches reporting behavioural changes after correctional education.
Four groups of penitentiary inmates, N = 64 were administered From B of the 16 Personality Factor Test. One group, N = 18 was exposed to massed learning by programmed instructions. A second group N = 18 in the same institution as the programmed instructioned group, was exposed to he general duties and vocational training plans of a minimum security institution. Two further groups in a medium security institution were used as controls. One group N = 14 was involved in traditional type academic education, and one group N = 15 was involved in the general duties of the same institution. At the same time as the 16 PF was administered, a Hidden Figures Test of cognitive style was given. After a period of 90 - 95 days the same tests were re-administered.
Predictions were made as to the personality factors which would be found to be deviant from the general population mean, and further predictions were made as to which factors were likely to be modified by the massed learning programme.
Analysis of covariance procedures and t-tests indicated that the predictions made were accurate to a large extent. It was found that the penitentiary inmates had lower emotional control, lower super ego strength, higher anxiety, and higher level of tension that the general population. Furthermore, there was some statistical evidence which indicated that after a period of massed learning by programmed instruction the experimental group showed changes to normality on all of the factors found to be significant for criminality. The control groups showed no changes during the period of the experiment except for one group which made significant changes in the deviant direction on two personality factors.