11. Dealing with offending behaviour: Behaviour modification in custody Flashcards
What is behaviour modification?
An application of the behaviourist approach to treatment. It is based on the principles of operant conditioning and the general aim is to replace undesirable behaviours with more desirable ones through the selective use of positive and negative reinforcement.
How was behaviour modification through positive and negative reinforcement made possible in prisons?
Through the use of token economy systems, these are managed and coordinated by prison staff, and are compulsory for all inmates within an institution.
What are token economy’s?
These are systems involving reinforcing desirable behaviour with a token that can then be exchanged for some kind of reward.
Why are tokens secondary reinforcers?
Because they derive their value from the association with the reward.
What must be in place to make the token economy system effective?
Prisoners must be made aware of the possible rewards stemming from accumulation of tokens as well as the ability to withdraw tokens for disobedient behaviour.
How are behaviour modification programs carried out?
The desirable behaviour is identified, broken down into small steps and a baseline measure is established. The behaviours to be reinforced are decided upon and all those who come into contact with the offender must follow the same regime of selective reinforcement.
Who provided evidence for the effectiveness of token economy systems?
Hobbs & Holt 1976 - they introduced a token economy program with four groups of young delinquents, one group acted as a control, they observed significant differences in positive behaviour compared to the control group.
What are the evaluation points for behaviour modification in custody as a way of dealing with offending behaviour?
+ Easy to implement
- Rehabilitative value
- Ethical issues
- Passive token learning
How is the behaviour modification in custody easy to implement?
There is no need for expertise or specialist professionals token economy systems can be implemented by virtually anyone in any institution meaning they are cost-effective and easy to follow, however the effectiveness does hinge on a consistent approach from prison staff.
How does the behaviour modification in custody have little rehabilitative value?
Blackburn said that changes in behaviour whilst the offender is imprisoned may quickly be lost when they are released progress. It’s unlikely to extend beyond the custodial setting possibly because the law-abiding behaviour is not always reinforced on the outside.
How does the behaviour modification in custody have ethical issues?
Some people consider behaviour modification manipulative and dehumanising. Participation in the scheme is obligatory for all offenders and critics argue that a system that can remove privileges such as contact with love ones is ethically questionable.
How does passive token learning undermine the effectiveness of behaviour modification in custody?
Behaviour modification deals with surface behaviour only and encourages the passive form of rather superficial learning. Offenders are more likely to play along with the token system to gain rewards, than actually change their behaviour, views and character. Upon release this makes you more likely they will regress to their former state.
