Behaviour Modification

Question 1

What are behaviourist principles

Answer 1

Should be possible to encourage the unlearning of behaviour. Modification programmes designed to reinforce obedient behaviour

Question 2

What are token economy systems

Answer 2

. Reinforcing desirable behaviour with a token
. Tokens are secondary reinforcers as they derive their value from their association with a reward

Question 3

How do token economy systems help change behaviour

Answer 3

. Non compliance/disobedience may result in tokens being taken away
. Whole programme can be overseen by prison officials - can measure effectiveness

Question 4

Research for token economy systems

Answer 4

Hobbs and Holt
Introduced TEP with groups of young delinquents across 3 behavioural units, 4th one was controlled
^ observed significant difference in positive behaviour compared to control group

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

Easy to implement (S)
No need for expertise of specialist professionals, training is required. Also cost effective and easy to follow

Ethical Issues (W)
BM regarded as manipulative and dehumanising, token economy participation is obligatory

Passive Token Learning (W)
BM deals with surface behaviour only and encourages passive form of learning. Offenders likely to play along to access rewards - produces little change to overall character