National Inmate Survey (NIS-4) Cognitive Testing Protoco

National Inmate Survey (NIS-4) Cognitive Testing Protocol
Thank you for participating in this project. In this interview, we’re not interested in your actual answers
but we are interested in what you think about the questions and how you understand them. We want to
make sure the questions make sense and that you are familiar with all the words we use. We're also
interested in whether the questions mean the same thing to each person we talk to. So, after I read you the
question I might ask you additional follow-up questions, such as “tell me in your own words what this
question is asking" or "how hard is it to come up with an answer?" This will help us determine if we are
asking the right questions.
Even though some of our questions may make it sound like we are giving you a test, there are no right or
wrong answers to these questions. Our main goal is to make sure the questions are understandable. You
can help us by pointing out any questions you find confusing or unclear. That way we can fix these
problems before we use these questions to interview inmates in the future. Also, if you think a question
could be understood in different ways that is useful for us to know as well because we'd like everyone we
interview to interpret our questions in the same way.
A lot of the questions ask about things that may have happened to you since you were admitted to a
facility – either a prison or jail. This is because the people we plan to survey will still be incarcerated
when we interview them. [FOR FORMER INMATES: For purposes of our interview today I’d
appreciate it if you could pretend that you are still incarcerated at the last facility in which you served
time. Does that make sense to you? CLARIFY AS NEEDED.]
Do you have any questions before we get started? [ANSWER QUESTIONS AS NEEDED.]
Section RH: Restrictive Housing Module
To begin, we would like to know about your experiences with disciplinary or administrative segregation, and
solitary confinement at this facility.
PROBE: Are the terms “disciplinary, administrative segregation, and solitary confinement” familiar to you?

PROBE: Are there other words you use to describe this type of housing?

PROBE: IF R PROVIDED ADDITIONAL TERMS, ASK: Do you think we should add some of those terms
to our introduction or do you think the words we’ve included will be familiar to most inmates?

RH1

DOAFILL1, have you spent any time in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary
confinement?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF

RH2

[GO TO NEXT Q BUT EXPLAIN TO R YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON WORDING]
[GO TO NEXT Q BUT EXPLAIN TO R YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON WORDING]

[IF RH1 = 1] DOAFILL1, how many different times have you been placed in disciplinary or
administrative segregation, or solitary confinement?
1
2
3

1 time
2 times
3 - 5 times
1

4
6 – 10 times
4
11 times or more
DK/REF
PROBE FOR RH1 = YES: How did you come up with your answer? What did you count as a
“time”?

PROBE FOR RH1 = NO OR DK/REF: Please tell me how you think an inmate would decide how
many different times he/she had been in solitary. [FI NOTE: THE GOAL IS TO FIND OUT HOW
THE R THINKS OF A “TIME”. IS IT A DAY, AN EPISODE, ETC.]

RH3

[IF RH2 = 1] DOAFILL1, how many days did you spend in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or
solitary confinement?
[IF RH2 > 1] DOAFILL1, how many days altogether have you spent in disciplinary or administrative
segregation, or solitary confinement?
1
1 day or less
2
More than 1 day but less than 7 days
3
At least 7 days but less than 14 days
4
At least 14 days but less than 30 days
5
30 days or more
DK/REF
PROBE FOR Rs WHO REPORTED TIME EQUALED A DAY OR LESS IN RH3: Does this
question sound like it is asking the same thing as the last question? IF NO: How is this question
different?

RH4

[IF RH1 = 1] Please think about the [IF RH2 > 1, INCLUDE “most recent”] time DOAFILL2 that you
were placed in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement. Why do you think you
were placed in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement? Was it…

RH4a. To evaluate you when you arrived at the facility?
PROBE: How is an inmate evaluated when he/she arrives at a facility?
RH4b. Because you asked to be placed there for your own protection?
PROBE: Why might an inmate be placed in solitary for their own
protection?
RH4c. For mental health reasons?
RH4d. For medical reasons?
RH4e. Because you were a danger to yourself?
PROBE: What does it mean to be a “danger to yourself”?
RH4f. As a punishment for breaking rules?
RH4g. For some other reason?
PROBE: Can you think of other reasons an inmate might be placed in
solitary?
DK/REF
RH5

Yes
1

No
2

1

2

1
1
1

2
2
2

1
1

2
2

[IF RH4f = 1] What facility rules were you accused of breaking that led to you being assigned to
disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement [IF RH2 > 1, INCLUDE “the most
recent time”]?

2

RH5a. Fighting with another inmate
RH5b. Verbally assaulting staff
PROBE: In your own words, what does this question mean?
RH5c. Physically assaulting staff
RH5d. Possession of contraband
PROBE: In your own words, what is this question asking?
RH5e. Having sexual contact with staff
RH5f. Having sexual contact with another inmate
RH5g. Some other rule or rules
DK/REF
RH6

Yes
1
1

No
2
2

1
1

2
2

1
1
1

2
2
2

[IF RH4f = YES] Were you given a hearing after being placed in disciplinary or administrative segregation,
or solitary confinement to determine if you were guilty of breaking facility rules?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF

RH7

[IF RH1 = 1] How long did you remain in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary
confinement the [IF RH2 > 1, INCLUDE “most recent”] time you were placed there?
1
1 day or less
2
More than 1 day but less than 7 days
3
At least 7 days but less than 14 days
4
At least 14 days but less than 30 days
5
30 days or more
DK/REF

RH8

[IF RH1 = 1] During the [IF RH2 > 1, INCLUDE “most recent”] time you were in disciplinary or
administrative segregation, or solitary confinement, were you in a cell by yourself?
1 Yes
2 No
DK/REF

RH9

[IF RH8 = 2] How many other inmates were in the cell with you the [IF RH2 > 1, INCLUDE “most
recent”] time you were in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement?
NUMBER OF INMATES: _______ [RANGE: 1 – 99]
DK/REF

RH10

[IF RH1 = 1] Were you able to leave your cell at least once every day the most recent time you were in
disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF

RH11

[IF RH1 = 1] Were you put in shackles or handcuffs every time you left your cell the most recent time you
were in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement?
1

Yes
3

2
No
DK/REF
RH12

[IF RH1 = 1] Did you have the same access to your lawyer or attorney as you did before you were placed in
disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement this most recent time?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF

RH13

[IF RH1 = 1] Were you allowed to talk to staff every day while you were in disciplinary or administrative
segregation, or solitary confinement this most recent time?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE TO CLARIFY WHETHER R INTERPRETED THIS QUESTION TO MEAN, “DID YOU
TALK TO STAFF EVERY DAY…”

RH14

[IF RH1 = 1] Did a trained counselor or mental health professional check on you while you were in
disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement this most recent time?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: What do you think the phrase “trained counselor” means?

RH15

[IF RH14 = 1] How often did a trained counselor or mental health professional check on you while you
were in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement this most recent time?
1
Every day
2
A few times a week
3
Once a week
4
Less than once a week
DK/REF

RH16

[IF RH1 = 1] Now please think about the [IF RH2 > 1, INCLUDE “most recent”] time when you were
released from disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement. Because you were in
disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement, did you…

RH16a. Lose your job in the facility?
RH16b. Get assigned to a different job in the facility?
RH16c. Have less yard or free time than you did before?
RH16d. Lose good time or good time credits?
PROBE: Please tell me in your own words what this question is asking.
DK/REF

Yes
1
1
1
1

No
2
2
2
2

PROBE FOR ANY YES RESPONSES: How do you know you [lost your job/got a different job/had
less free time/lost good time] because you had been in solitary?

4

RH17

[IF RH1 = 1] As a result of being in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary confinement,
were you…

RH17a. Required to participate in a program designed to help you avoid
getting sent to disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary
confinement in the future?
RH17b. Placed at a higher custody or security level?
RH17c. Moved somewhere else in the facility?
DK/REF

Yes
1

No
2

1
1

2
2

PROBE: Are there other things that can happen to an inmate as a result of being in solitary?

RH18

[IF RH1 = 1] After you returned from being in disciplinary or administrative segregation, or solitary
confinement, were any of your personal possessions missing?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: What does the phrase “personal possessions” mean to you?

5

A22.

Are you a U.S. citizen?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: Do you think this is a question inmates will be comfortable answering? (Why or why not?)

D2a

[IF MALE] Which of the following best represents how you think of yourself?
1
2
3
4
5
6

Gay
Straight, that is, not gay
Bisexual
Something else
I don’t know the answer
Refused

PROBE: What does the word “gay” mean to you in this question? Are there other words you use
that mean the same thing as “gay”?
PROBE: What does the word “straight” mean to you in this question? Are there other words you
use that mean the same thing as “straight”?
PROBE: What does the word “bisexual” meant to you in this question? Are there other words you
use that mean the same thing as “bisexual”?
D2b

[IF FEMALE] Which of the following best represents how you think of yourself?
1
2
3
4
5
6

Lesbian or gay
Straight, that is, not lesbian or gay
Bisexual
Something else
I don’t know the answer
Refused

PROBE: What does the word “gay” mean to you in this question? Are there other words you use
that mean the same thing as “gay”?
PROBE: What does the word “lesbian” mean to you in this question? Are there other words you
use that mean the same thing as “lesbian”?
PROBE: What does the word “straight” mean to you in this question? Are there other words you
use that mean the same thing as “straight”?
PROBE: What does the word “bisexual” meant to you in this question? Are there other words you
use that mean the same thing as “bisexual”?
D3a

What sex were you assigned at birth, on your original birth certificate?
1
Male
2
Female
DK/REF
PROBE: Please tell me, in your own words, what this question is asking.

6

[Interviewer: If R’s interpretation of the question is incorrect, probe to determine how they came to
their understanding. Probe their understanding of the phrases “assigned at birth” and “original
birth certificate”.]
D3b

Do you currently think of yourself as…?
1
Male
2
Female
3
Transgender – Male
4
Transgender - Female
5
None of these
DK/REF
PROBE: What does the term “Transgender – Male” mean to you?
PROBE: What does the term “Transgender – Female” mean to you?

7

The next set of questions are for inmates who report an incident of being sexually victimized or sexually assaulted
by another inmate during their incarceration. The questions ask for specific details about the incident as well as
things that may have happened just before or right after the incident took place. As I did with the last set of
questions, I’ll read the question and then ask you about your understanding of the question. Remember, I just want
you to focus on whether the questions are clear; I’m not asking you to share any personal experiences.

IIC8

[IF IIC REPORTED] Do you think this incident happened because of your…

IIC8a. Race or ethnicity?
IIC8b. Age?
IIC8c. Religion?
IIC8d. Gender Identity?
PROBE: What does the term “gender identity” mean to you?
IIC8e. Sexual orientation?
PROBE: What does the term “sexual orientation” mean to you?
IIC8f. Gang affiliation?
PROBE: What does the phrase “gang affiliation” mean to you?
DK/REF

Yes
1
1
1
1

No
2
2
2
2

1

2

1

2

IIC13a [IF IIC9 = 1] About how old was this other inmate?
1
Under 25
2
25 – 34
3
35 – 44
4
45 – 54
5
55 or older
DK/REF
PROBE: Do you think an inmate would be able to answer this question? That is, do you think they
would know how old the inmate who attacked them was?

IIC14a [IF IIC9 = 1] At the time this incident occurred was this other inmate assigned to the same housing unit,
pod or dormitory as you?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: Are there other words we should use besides “housing unit, pod, or dormitory” to describe
the place where an inmate is assigned to live in the facility?

IIC15a [IF IIC9 = 1] How did you know this other inmate at the time the incident occurred? Was the inmate…
FI: Please look at these answers [HAND CARD] as I read them out loud.

IIC15a1a. A stranger – that is someone you had never seen before?
IIC15a1b. Someone you had seen before but had never spoken to?
IIC15a1c. An acquaintance or someone you only talk to occasionally?

Yes
1
1
1

No
2
2
2

8

IIC15a1d.
facility?
IIC15a1e.
IIC15a1f.
IIC15a1g.
DK/REF

Someone you have worked with or been in a class with at this

1

2

A friend or ex-friend?
Someone who used to be your cellmate or roommate?
Your current cellmate or roommate?

1
1
1

2
2
2

PROBE: Are there other ways that an inmate might describe how they knew another inmate?
PROBE: How do inmates get to know each other in a facility?
IIC15a2 [IF IIC9 = 1] Did you know this other inmate before you entered this facility?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: What do you think this question is asking?

IIC16a [IF IIC9 = 1] Was this other inmate a member of a gang?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: Is it easy or hard to know whether an inmate is a member of a gang?

IIC17

[IF IIC9 = 1] Before this incident happened were you worried that this inmate might be planning to have
sex or sexual contact with you?
1 Yes
2 No
DK/REF
PROBE: Before an incident, what kinds of things do you think might happen to an inmate to cause
him or her to worry that another inmate was planning to have sex or sexual contact with him or her?

IIC18

[IF IIC9 = 1] Before this incident happened had you had any arguments or fights with this inmate?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF

IIC22

[IF IIC9 = 1] Did this inmate do any of the following things after the incident happened?
FI: Please look at these answers [HAND CARD] as I read them out loud.

IIC22a.
IIC22b.
IIC22c.
IIC22d.

Gave you gifts or money so that you would keep it a secret?
Threatened to hurt you so that you would keep it a secret?
Said [he/she] would blame it on you if you told anyone?
Said [he/she] would stop spending time with you if you told anyone?

Yes
1
1
1
1

No
2
2
2
2

9

IIC22e. Had some type of sexual contact with you again?
IIC22f. Ignored you or stayed away from you?
DK/REF

1
1

2
2

PROBE: Can you think of any other things an inmate might do to try keep another inmate from
telling others about a sexual attack?
IIC25

[IF IIC REPORTED] At the time the incident happened were any other inmates aware that it was
happening?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: Tell me in your own words what this question is asking. [FI: Verify the R’s paraphrasing
highlights “at the time the incident happened”.]

IIC26

[IF IIC REPORTED] At the time the incident happened were any staff at the facility aware that it was
happening?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: Could you give me some examples of the types of people you are thinking about when I
used the phrase “staff at the facility”?

IIC28a [IF IIC9 = 1 AND IIC23 = 1] Did any of the following things happen to the inmate who had sex or sexual
contact with you?
FI: Please look at these answers [HAND CARD] as I read them out loud.

IIC28a1. The inmate was moved to administrative segregation or some other
protective housing
IIC28a2. The inmate was placed in a medical unit, ward, or hospital
IIC28a3. The inmate was confined to [his/her] own cell, room, or housing
area
IIC28a4. The inmate was given a higher level of custody within the facility
IIC28a5. The inmate was transferred to another facility
IIC28a6. The inmate was written up
IIC28a7. The inmate lost privileges
DK/REF

Yes
1

No
2

1
1

2
2

1
1
1
1

2
2
2
2

PROBE: Are there other things that might happen to an inmate who sexually assaults another
inmate?

IIC29

[IF IIC9 = 1] Since this incident happened has this inmate attempted any type of sexual contact with
you?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF

10

FI INSTRUCTION: Now listen to the next question and tell me how you think it is different from
the question I just read to you.
IIC30

[IF IIC9 = 1 AND IIC29 NE 1] Since this incident happened have you been worried that this inmate will
try to initiate sexual contact with you again?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: Please tell me how this question is different from the last question.
PROBE: What does the word “initiate” mean to you?

IIC31

[IF IIC REPORTED] Since this incident happened, have you done any of the following things to reduce
the chance that you would be attacked again?
FI: Please look at these answers [HAND CARD] as I read them out loud.

IIC31a. Joined a gang?
IIC31b. Carried a weapon?
IIC31c. Fought more?
IIC31d. Worked out in order to bulk up?
IIC31e. Avoided certain areas?
IIC31f. Kept to yourself more?
IIC31g. Stayed in your own cell or housing area more?
IIC31h. Joined a religious group?
IIC31i. Avoided certain inmates?
IIC31j. Requested protective custody?
IIC31k. Requested transfer to another facility?
DK/REF

Yes
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

No
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

PROBE: Are there other things an inmate might do to reduce their chance of being sexually
attacked?

11

Section SIC: Incident Characteristics of Staff-On-Inmate Victimization
The next questions will be asked of inmates who report an incident of being sexually victimized or sexually
assaulted by a staff person during their incarceration. The questions ask for specific details about the incident as
well as things that may have happened just before or right after the incident took place. As I did with the last
questions, I’ll read the question and then ask you about your understanding of the question.
SI10

[IF SIC REPORTED] During this incident did one staff person or more than one staff person have sex or
sexual contact with you?
1 One staff person
2 More than one staff person
DK/REF
PROBE: Several of the next questions will use the term “staff person”. Which people in a facility do
you think that term describes? Further PROBE: Does it include correctional officers? Volunteers?
The Warden?

SI11

[IF SIC REPORTED] Do you think this incident happened because of your…

SI11a. Race or ethnicity?
SI11b. Age?
SI11c. Religion?
SI11d. Gender Identity?
PROBE: What does the term “gender identity” mean to you?
SI11e. Sexual orientation?
PROBE: What does the term “sexual orientation” mean to
you?
SI11f. Gang affiliation?
PROBE: What does the phrase “gang affiliation” mean to
you?
DK/REF

SI15a

Yes

No

1
1
1
1

2
2
2
2

1

2

1

2

[IF SI10 = 1] How old was this staff person?
1 Under 25
2 25 – 34
3 35 – 44
4 45 – 54
5 55 or older
DK/REF
PROBE: Do you think an inmate would be able to answer this question? That is, do you think they
would know how old the staff person who attacked them was?

SI17a

[IF SI10 = 1] Before the incident happened, did any of these things ever happen?

SI17a1. The staff person talked to you about [his/her] personal life outside
of work?
PROBE: What does the phrase “personal life” mean to you?

Yes
1

No
2

12

SI17a2. The staff person gave you pictures of [himself/herself]?
SI17a3. The staff person wrote letters to you?
SI17a4. The staff person offered you things like drugs, cigarettes, alcohol,
or other things you are not allowed to have in this facility?
SI17a5. The staff person offered you money?
SI17a6. The staff person did things for you to help you get out of trouble?
SI17a7. The staff person spent time alone with you and asked that you not
tell anyone else about that time
SI17h. The staff person told you that [he/she] had special feelings for you
or was in love with you?
SI17i. The staff person talked or joked with you about sex or shared sexual
stories with you?
DK/REF

SI21

2
2
2

1
1
1

2
2
2

1

2

1

2

[IF SI10 = 1] Did this staff person do any of the following things after the incident happened?

SI21a. Gave you gifts or money so that you would keep it secret?
SI21b. Threatened to hurt you so that you would keep it secret?
SI21c. Said [he/she] would blame it on you if you told anyone?
SI21d. Said [he/she] would stop spending time with you if you told
anyone?
SI21e. Had sexual contact with you again?
SI21f. Ignored you or stayed away from you?
DK/REF

SI27a

1
1
1

Yes
1
1
1

No
2
2
2

1
1

2
2

[IF SI10 = 1 AND SI22 = 1] Did any of the following things happen to the staff person who had
sex or sexual contact with you?

SI27a. The staff person was fired
SI27b. The staff person was transferred to another facility
SI27c. The staff person was transferred to a different job within the
same facility
SI27d. The staff person was punished or disciplined in some way
other than those listed above
DK/REF

Yes
1
1
1

No
2
2
2

1

2

PROBE: Do you think an inmate would know what happened to the staff person?

PROBE: Are there are other sorts of punishment a staff person might receive if he or she
was found to have had sex with an inmate?

SI28

[IF SI10 = 1] Since this incident happened has this staff person attempted any type of sexual
contact with you?
FI INSTRUCTION: Now listen to the next question and tell me how you think it is different from
the question I just read to you.

13

SI29

[IF SI10 = 1 AND SI28 NE 1] Since this incident happened have you been worried that this staff
person will try to initiate sexual contact with you again?
1
Yes
2
No
DK/REF
PROBE: Please tell me how this question is different from the last question.
PROBE: What does the word “initiate” mean to you?

14

We’re just about done. The last questions I have for you are about other experiences an inmate might have
had.
Q8. Did a doctor, school counselor, or other professional ever tell you that you have:

Q8a. ADD or ADHD?
PROBE: Do you recognize these terms? Do
you know any of the symptoms of ADD or
ADHD?
Q8b. Dyslexia?
PROBE: Do you recognize this term? Do
you know any of the symptoms of Dyslexia?
Q8c. A learning disability?
PROBE: What does it mean to have a
learning disability?
Q8d. Autism or Asperger’s
PROBE: Do you recognize these terms? Do
you know any of the symptoms of Autism or
Asperger’s?
DK/REF

Yes
1

No
2

1

2

1

2

1

2

PROBE: The question used the phrase “other professional”. What does that phrase mean
to you?

R21

Did you ever in your life have any of the following experiences happen to you:

R21a A serious fight or physical assault?
PROBE: What would have to happen for a
fight to be “serious”?
R21a1. A sexual assault?
PROBE: How is a sexual assault different
than a physical assault that I asked you about
in the last question?
R21b. A life-threatening accident or injury?
PROBE: What does “life-threatening” mean
to you?
R21c. The murder or suicide of a loved one?
R21d. The accidental death of a loved one?
PROBE: Can you tell me in your own words
what an “accidental death” means?
R21e. Witnessed someone being seriously
injured or killed?
R21f. Any experience that put you at risk of
death?
PROBE: What kinds of experiences could
put a person at risk of death?
DK/REF

Yes
1

No
2

1

2

1

2

1
1

2
2

1

2

1

2

That’s all the questions I have for you. Thank you for your participation; your feedback has been really valuable!

15