Behaviour Modification Flashcards
What principles are Behaviour Modification Schemes based on?
The principles of the behaviourist approach, which argues that all behaviour is learnt
What is the aim of Behavioural Modification Schemes?
To replace undesirable behaviours with more desirable ones through the selective use of reinforcement whilst in custody
What is an example of a Behaviour Modification Scheme?
Token economies
What are Token Economies?
- 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
What principles are Token Economies based on?
- Operant Conditioning: Positive Reinforcement through the rewarding of desirable behaviour
- Punishment through the withholding or withdrawing of tokens in the case of undesirable behaviour
What are the primary reinforcers in terms of Token Economies?
The rewards available, which should be personalised wants (e.g. extra phone calls, extra cigs)
What are the secondary reinforcers in terms of Token Economies?
The tokens
Describe the 3 aspects of designing a Token Economy
- 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
In what ratio should reinforcements outweigh punishments in terms of Token Economies?
4:1
What is the aim of Token Economies?
To lead to the extinction of deviant behaviour
What evidence supports the effectiveness of Token Economies in prisons? (2 Studies)
- 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
What is a strength of Token Economies?
They are cost-effective and easy to implement, with them only requiring short, minimal training
Why did Blackburn criticise the use of Token Economies?
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)
What are Token Economies low in?
Ecological validity
Due to what do the benefits of Token Economies appear to be lost?
- 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