A Theoretical Revolution in Corrections: Varied Purposes for Classification

The articles in the special issue are reviewed within the context of current trends and the state of the art in prison classification systems. A paradigm shift is noted to be occurring within the field, wherein the medical model is being abandoned for a multipurpose model of classification. The purposes are understanding, prediction, management, and treatment. Each of these purposes is discussed with special emphasis on problems inherent in the prediction model when used in isolation. Implications of the paradigm shift are discussed in terms of the future of psychologists' roles within corrections.