The purpose of this study was to utilize a needs assessment and apply sound instructional design principles and techniques to examine the perceptions of prisoners and prison personnel regarding prison programs. Primarily, this study focused on one of the first steps in the instructional design process—analysis or assessment. More specifically, it examined the importance of conducting sound needs assessments and ongoing evaluations. Additionally, it serves as an example for how program logic models can be used to assist instructional designers in creating or examining a program's design by defining the program's intended purpose, inputs, outputs, assumed outcomes, and desired overall impact.

This study employed a qualitative research design that examined the perceptions of key stakeholders in regard to prison programming in a state prison in Mississippi. Focus group discussions and interviews with administrative personnel were conducted to create a program logic model to represent their perceptions of how their current programs are intended to work. The inmate group examined the model and provided feedback. Additional discussion and individual interviews with the inmates were conducted to further assess their needs for and perceptions of prison programs. The findings from this study not only reveal areas for improvement in current programs but also provide suggestions for additional programs.

Finally, the results of this study suggest many implications for instructional designers in regard to prison programs. Prison programs are excellent examples of how and why instructional design methods should be used, not only in the analysis or assessment phase, as was the primary emphasis in this study, but for the proper design, development, implementation, and evaluation as well.