Perceptions Towards Others

Solitary confinement is a controversial disciplinary practice in our penal system. Although many suggest that it deprives people of their rights, causes irreparable emotional damage, and continues to have a precarious effect on communities that lead to higher rates of recidivism, it continues to be used frequently (ACLU, 2014). Many in the general public do not know about solitary confinement and its effects on inmates. Research suggests that “despite the popular misconception that solitary confinement is used to house only the worst of the worst, this is not true” (ACLU, 2014). Solitary Confinement is used amongst the most vulnerable populations (Cosby, 2016). Further, there appear to be differences in attitudes and knowledge about women and men in solitary confinement. For example, it might be thought that woman do not receive the same unjust punishments men do during their time in prison because many do not know about the frequency of solitary confinement use in women\u27s prisons (Cosby, 2016). However, women suffer the same or worse effects from solitary confinement as men do (Cosby, 2016). Thus, research should be done public\u27s perception in conjunction to the disparity between genders in the practice of solitary confinement. The purpose of this study is examine whether differences exist in perceptions of male and female inmates in solitary confinement. It is hypothesized that there will be differences in personality ratings toward female and male inmates in solitary confinement. Specifically, it is hypothesized that female inmates in solitary confinement will be seen as more neurotic and disagreeable than male inmates in solitary confinement. Additionally, it is hypothesized that there will be differences in perception of the cause and effectiveness of solitary confinement for male and female inmates. Finally, it is hypothesized that those who hold positive attitudes toward solitary confinement will perceive male and female inmates as more neurotic and less agreeable than those who hold less positive attitudes