Effect of studies on attitudes towards inmates
Effect of studies on attitudes towards inmates

Summary/Abstract: None of the studies pertaining to what role education plays in shaping the attitudes toward inmates specifically addressed the differences between psychology and law as a fields of study with different philosophies. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of students’ background and field of study on their attitudes toward prisoners. The participants filled in a questionnaire regarding their perception of inmates. The results suggest that psychology students have more tolerant attitudes towards prisoners than geography and law students. We found no differences between freshmen and seniors. We discussed the results in terms of a possible self-selection effect when choosing one’s field of study but also in terms of different philosophies that are specific to psychology and law.

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