Behaviour Modification

Question 1

What principles are Behaviour Modification Schemes based on?

Answer 1

The principles of the behaviourist approach, which argues that all behaviour is learnt

Question 2

What is the aim of Behavioural Modification Schemes?

Answer 2

To replace undesirable behaviours with more desirable ones through the selective use of reinforcement whilst in custody

Question 3

What is an example of a Behaviour Modification Scheme?

Answer 3

Token economies

Question 4

What are Token Economies?

Answer 4

• When a prisoner is rewarded by giving them a token- which can then be exchanged for rewards- each time they perform a desirable behaviour (e.g. not resorting to violence)
• In the case of disobedience or non-compliance, tokens may be withheld or removed

Question 5

What principles are Token Economies based on?

Answer 5

• Operant Conditioning: Positive Reinforcement through the rewarding of desirable behaviour
• Punishment through the withholding or withdrawing of tokens in the case of undesirable behaviour

Question 6

What are the primary reinforcers in terms of Token Economies?

Answer 6

The rewards available, which should be personalised wants (e.g. extra phone calls, extra cigs)

Question 7

What are the secondary reinforcers in terms of Token Economies?

Answer 7

The tokens

Question 8

Describe the 3 aspects of designing a Token Economy

Answer 8

• Operationalise target behaviours by breaking them down into precise, objective increments so they can be measured and thus rewarded
• Score System, with behaviour being rewarded in a hierarchy of sorts, with some behaviours receiving greater rewards than others (e.g. more tokens)
• Train Staff, so they can effectively implement the system and standardise procedures, ensuring consistency

Question 9

In what ratio should reinforcements outweigh punishments in terms of Token Economies?

Answer 9

4:1

Question 10

What is the aim of Token Economies?

Answer 10

To lead to the extinction of deviant behaviour

Question 11

What evidence supports the effectiveness of Token Economies in prisons? (2 Studies)

Answer 11

• Hobbs & Holt, who implemented a token economy programme in a young offenders unit and found a significant rise in positive behaviour compared to the control group
• Allyon et al found the same results

Question 12

What is a strength of Token Economies?

Answer 12

They are cost-effective and easy to implement, with them only requiring short, minimal training

Question 13

Why did Blackburn criticise the use of Token Economies?

Answer 13

For having ’little rehabilitative value’, as they reflect a superficial behavioural change and seem to have little impact on recidivism rates in the long-term (despite arguably delaying them)

Question 14

What are Token Economies low in?

Answer 14

Ecological validity

Question 15

Due to what do the benefits of Token Economies appear to be lost?

Answer 15

• Staff inconsistency, as they require constant upkeep, with staff having to continually survey behaviour, as well as be well-informed on how to enforce it effectively
• This can be linked to staff turnover and poor training

Question 16

Why may Token Economies produce a superficial behavioural change?

Answer 16

As they don’t tackle the cognitions nor emotions the deviant behaviour is rooted in, and is therefore also arguably reductionistic