Effects of a Lecture Training Program and Independent Study on the knowledge and Attitudes of Law Students Toward the Mentally Retarded Offender

• NCJ Number: 104946
• Journal: Journal of Offender Counseling, Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring-Summer 1987) Pages: 53-66
• Author(s): T Russell; C A Bryant
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the effects of a lecture program and independent study on the knowledge and attitudes of law students toward mentally retarded offenders.

Abstract

Subjects were 102 University of Alabama students enrolled in 2 criminal law classes who were randomly assigned to a lecture or independent study group. Subjects were administered an attitudinal measure adapted from 'The Mentally Retarded Offender and the Criminal Justice System' and a researcher-designed knowledge measure pretest and 1 week later following administration of the intervention. T-tests and post hoc analyses were used to examine mean differences between groups. Results indicate that instructional method did not produce significant intergroup differences in mean gains in knowledge or attitudes toward mental retardation and the mentally retarded offender. There were, however, significant differences between pre- and posttest means in knowledge and attitudes for both groups. Results show that the instructional methods were equally effective in increasing students' knowledge and in producing more positive attitudes toward mental retardation and the mentally retarded offender. 19 references. (Author abstract modified)