Behaviour Modification Flashcards

1
Q

What principles are Behaviour Modification Schemes based on?

A

The principles of the behaviourist approach, which argues that all behaviour is learnt

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2
Q

What is the aim of Behavioural Modification Schemes?

A

To replace undesirable behaviours with more desirable ones through the selective use of reinforcement whilst in custody

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3
Q

What is an example of a Behaviour Modification Scheme?

A

Token economies

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4
Q

What are Token Economies?

A
  • 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
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5
Q

What principles are Token Economies based on?

A
  • Operant Conditioning: Positive Reinforcement through the rewarding of desirable behaviour
  • Punishment through the withholding or withdrawing of tokens in the case of undesirable behaviour
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6
Q

What are the primary reinforcers in terms of Token Economies?

A

The rewards available, which should be personalised wants (e.g. extra phone calls, extra cigs)

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7
Q

What are the secondary reinforcers in terms of Token Economies?

A

The tokens

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8
Q

Describe the 3 aspects of designing a Token Economy

A
  • 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
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9
Q

In what ratio should reinforcements outweigh punishments in terms of Token Economies?

A

4:1

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10
Q

What is the aim of Token Economies?

A

To lead to the extinction of deviant behaviour

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11
Q

What evidence supports the effectiveness of Token Economies in prisons? (2 Studies)

A
  • 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
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12
Q

What is a strength of Token Economies?

A

They are cost-effective and easy to implement, with them only requiring short, minimal training

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13
Q

Why did Blackburn criticise the use of Token Economies?

A

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)

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14
Q

What are Token Economies low in?

A

Ecological validity

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15
Q

Due to what do the benefits of Token Economies appear to be lost?

A
  • 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
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16
Q

Why may Token Economies produce a superficial behavioural change?

A

As they don’t tackle the cognitions nor emotions the deviant behaviour is rooted in, and is therefore also arguably reductionistic