Behavior modification

Question 1

strength
Hobbs and Holt

Answer 1

Hobbs and Holt introduced a token economy programme with groups of young offenders across three behavioral units (and a 4th acted as a control) finding significant differences in positive behavior compared to the non-token economy group.

Question 2

strength high appeal

Answer 2

token economy can be very easily administered and there is no need for a specialist professional as there would be for anger managment for example. They are also cost-effective and easy to follow and accessible for most prisoners.

Question 3

weakness
Bassett and Blanchard

Answer 3

Bassett and Blanchard found that any benefits were lost if techniques applied inconsistently due to factors such as lack of appropriate staff.

Question 4

weakness
Blackburn

Answer 4

Blackburn said behavior modification has little rehabilitative value and any positive changes in behavior that may occur in prison are lost upon release.