11 - Behaviour Modification Flashcards
How do behaviour modification programmes work?
If all human behaviour is then behaviour can be unlearned.
Behaviour modification programmes are designed to reinforce desirable behaviour and punish undesirable behaviour.
The former will continue and increase, whereas the latter will become extinct.
What is the principle behind token economy?
Desirable behaviour is reinforced with a token, which can be exchanged for some form of reward.
The desirable behaviour and available rewards are made clear to the prisoners before they start the programme. Emphasised that non-compliance / disobedience will result in the tokens being withheld.
Describe the desirable behaviour in prison, and the punishments
Desirable behaviour in prison is likely to include avoiding conflict, following prison rules, keeping your cell orderly etc.
The rewards may include a phone call to a loved one, time in the gym, access to a computer, extra cigarettes, or extra food.
What is the secondary reinforcer and negative punishment in token economy?
Tokens are secondary reinforcers because they derive their value by becoming associated with a reward.
Negative punishment - tokens being withheld
How is token economy actually implemented?
Desirable behaviour is identified and then broken down into smaller steps, called increments.
All those who come into contact with the offender must follow the same regime of selective reinforcement, a particular prisoner is rewarded for particular actions.
Whole programme overseen by prison official who is able to monitor the programme’s effectiveness on the management of the prison as a whole, as well as on the behaviour of individual offenders.
What are the positives of behaviour modification?
Easy to administer - does not require expert professionals or specialised equipment. Can be implemented by virtually anyone in the prison. Cost-effective and easy to follow once the method of reinforcement has been established.
Found that token economy was generally effective with young offenders, although not all of them responded. The youths were then put on a scheme where the rewards were more immediate and more frequent. The results were very positive. For token economy to work it needs to be designed so that the rewards, and the frequency of the rewards, suits each individual.
What are the negatives of behaviour modification?
Doesn’t work if staff are not consistent. Sometimes lack of appropriate training or high staff turnover make consistency problematic.
Any positive behavioural change while the prisoner is incarcerated is quickly lost upon release. Law-abiding behaviour is not always reinforced on the outside and rewards that result from breaking the law may be powerful. It could also be because offenders are merely ‘playing along’ with the scheme to get the rewards, and not really learning to change their behaviour.
Suggested that it is unethical. In some prisons participation is obligatory. Although ultimately the offender can decide whether or not to obey the rules or break them, the withdrawal of privileges such as exercise and contact with loved ones can be physically and psychologically harmful.
Behaviour modification only deals with surface behaviour. Other treatments go deeper and require offenders to reflect on the cause of their offending and take responsibility for their rehabilitation.
