4.1 Individualistic Behaviour modification Flashcards
What are the three main types of criminological theories?
Individualistic, biological, sociological
These theories help inform policy development in crime control.
What is the purpose of behaviour modification in criminology?
To inform policy on crime through learned behaviours
This includes approaches like penal populism and zero tolerance.
What is a token economy?
A behaviour modification program used in some prisons
It rewards desirable behaviours with tokens that can be exchanged for rewards.
What are the components of operant conditioning?
Reinforcement and punishment
These mechanisms can increase or decrease behaviours.
Fill in the blank: Learning theories state that criminal behaviour is learned through _______ and punishment.
reinforcement
This learning process influences the development of crime control policies.
What happens when an offender behaves in a desired way in a token economy?
They earn a token
Tokens can be exchanged for rewards like sweets or phone calls.
What criteria are used to establish incentive levels in prison?
Keeping to the rules, participating in work/activities, commitment to rehabilitation
This promotes desirable behaviour and social control.
True or False: Negative punishment involves adding a bad consequence to prevent behaviour.
False
Negative punishment actually involves removing something good to decrease behaviour.
What does the term ‘positive reinforcement’ refer to?
Rewarding behaviour so it is done again
This is a key concept in operant conditioning.
What is the effect of negative reinforcement?
Increases behaviour by taking away something bad
This encourages the continuation of the desired behaviour.
What is the significance of the terms antecedent, behaviour, and consequence in behaviour modification?
They represent the process of behaviour analysis
This framework helps in understanding how behaviours can be modified.
What is the primary focus of Behaviour Modification in criminology?
To control crime by improving behaviour through reinforcement
Behaviour Modification aims to change offenders’ behaviours to reduce recidivism.
What happens to behaviours after reinforcement stops in Behaviour Modification?
Behaviours tend to disappear
This indicates that the effects of Behaviour Modification may not be long-lasting.
How does Behaviour Modification affect the time taken for offenders to reoffend?
Offenders take more time to reoffend compared to those who have not undergone the programme
This suggests a temporary improvement in behaviour among participants.
What has been the impact of Behaviour Modification on serious offenders?
It appears to improve their behaviour
This is supported by studies showing a positive effect on serious offenders.
What has been the impact of Behaviour Modification on offenders of less serious offences?
The impact has been mixed
This indicates variability in effectiveness across different types of offenders.
What is one benefit of token economies in prison settings?
They make prisoners more manageable
This can contribute to a more controlled prison environment.
What is the ‘buddy system’ devised by Fo and Ơ Donnell?
A system where adult volunteers provide reinforcement for socially acceptable behaviour
This method has shown improved effects on serious offenders.
What did the study by Hobbs and Holt (1976) find regarding token economies?
They have short-term effectiveness with young offenders
This highlights the limited duration of the positive effects.
What did Allyon and Milan (1979) conclude about token economies?
They have short-term effectiveness with adult offenders
This reinforces the idea that token economies may not be a long-term solution.
What ethical issues have arisen with the use of token economies?
Some argue that withholding food and drink as rewards violates human rights
This raises concerns about the morality of using basic needs as incentives.
True or False: Behaviour Modification has been proven to control crime effectively in the long term.
False
Evidence suggests that while it may improve behaviour temporarily, the effects are not lasting.
