behaviour modification Flashcards
How is the behaviour modification approach a behaviourist one?
All behaviour is learned - should be able to be unlearned
Designed to reinforce obedient behaviour and punish disobedience
Token economy in prison
How do token economy systems work?
Operant conditioning
Reinforce behaviour with token exchanged for reward
Tokens are secondary reinforcers - derive value from association with reward
How is a token economy implemented in a prison?
Behaviour - follow rules
Reward - phone call
Behaviours and rewards made clear before implementation
Non compliance = withholding tokens (punishment)
How do token economies change behaviour?
Desirable behaviour is identified
Broken down into steps called increments
Baseline measure established
Overseen by prison officials who monitor overall behaviour and individuals
Describe Hobbs and Holt’s research
Token economy with delinquents
Significant difference in positive behaviour compared to control
Similar effect in adult prison (Allyon)
Evaluation - easy to implement
No need for professionals like in anger management
Cost effective and easy to follow
Requires consistency however - effects lost after inconsistent implementation
Evaluation - little rehabilitative value
Positive changes lost when prisoner is released
Establishes behaviour in prison
Reward for breaking law - status - is greater
Evaluation - ethical issues
Manipulative and dehumanising
Participation is mandatory
Withdrawing privileges is ethically questionable
Evaluation - passive token learning
Anger management is more active - reflect on crime and take responsibility
People play along with token economies to get rewards but don’t believe in it
Evaluation - individually tailored programmes are most effective
Field looked at token economy for young people with behaviour problems
Some did not respond
Placed on special programme with immediate rewards and results were more positive
