An Examination of Literacy and Computer Literacy Amongst Adults Who Are Incarcerated

Abstract

In this study, the relationships between literacy, computer experience, and age among and between the general (i.e., "household") and prison samples were examined using the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. Literacy scores and computer experiences were significantly lower (p < .001) for the prison sample than for the household sample. There were significant differences in the mean literacy scores between the household and prison samples for those with no computer experience, t(2048) = -3.58, p < .01 and for those with computer experience, t(7721) = 8.99, p < .01. Computer experience predicted literacy proficiency across both samples (R-squared = .10, SE = .01, p < .01). Lastly, there was an inverse relationship between age and computer experience, with a widening gap between the household and prison samples as age increased. The inequalities in the essential skills of print and computer literacy between the general and prison populations are concerning and indicate a need for literacy and computer education in prisons.