[Behaviour Modification] Dealing With Offending Behaviour

Question 1

What is behaviour modification?

Answer 1

Intervention that aims to eliminate undesirable behaviours.

Question 2

What are the types of behaviour modification?

Answer 2

-Token economy.
-Anger management.
-Restorative justice.

Question 3

What is a token economy?

Answer 3

A behaviour-management system in which desirable behaviour is reinforced with tokens (secondary reinforcers) and later exchanged for rewards (primary reinforcers).

Question 4

What are examples of desirable behaviours?

Answer 4

-Following orders.
-Turning up for tasks.

Question 5

What are examples of undesirable behaviours?

Answer 5

-Starting a fight.
-Disrespect.

Question 6

What are examples of rewards?

Answer 6

-More time out of cell,
-TV.
-Conjugal visits (USA).

Question 6

What are examples of consequences?

Answer 6

-Less time out of cell.
-No TV.
-No visits.

Question 7

How did Hobbs & Holt (1976) study token economy?

Answer 7

Introduced a token economy in 3 youth behavioural units (with 1 control) and observed significant improvement in positive behaviour as a result.

Question 8

How did Basset & Blanchard (1977) study token economy?

Answer 8

Said that the benefits of a token economy are lost when not applied consistently.

Question 9

Evaluation points for token economy:

Answer 9

-May only be effective in the prison, as once the offender is released, the rewards for good behaviour no longer exist.
-May only lead to a superficial change in behaviour, not tackling the root cause of criminal behaviour.

Question 10

What is anger management?

Answer 10

A form of CBT that aims to change one’s actions & thoughts.

Question 11

What did Novaco (1965) say about anger management?

Answer 11

Thought processes trigger emotional arousal, leading to aggressive acts.
Anger management aims to identify the signs which trigger anger, and learn techniques to deal with a situation without the need for violence.

Question 12

What is the 3 stage process of anger management?

Answer 12

1. Cognitive Preparation: reflection on past behaviours that made them angry (e.g. someone disrespecting them).
2. Skills Acquisition: coping skills are learned to enable them to deal with situations rationally (e.g. walk away).
3. Application Practice: role-play a variety of scenarios to practice coping skills.

Question 13

How did Keen (2000) study anger management?

Answer 13

Found that offenders reported increased awareness of anger management difficulties and more self-control after therapy.

Question 14

Evaluation points for anger management:

Answer 14

-Anger management aims to change the cognitive causes of anger, rather than superficially changing behaviour (as in token economy techniques).
-More likely to lead to long-lasting behavioural change.
-Not all criminals, or crimes, are motivated by anger. Therefore, anger management is a limited technique to deal with offending behaviour.

Question 15

What is restorative justice?

Answer 15

A process where an offender reconciles with the victim/victim’s family, acknowledging the impact of their behaviour.

Question 16

What are features of restorative justice?

Answer 16

-Active involvement of all parties.
-Focus on acknowledgement & acceptance of responsibility for the harm caused.
-Focus on positive outcome for the survivor & offender.

Question 17

How did Shapland (2007) study restorative justice?

Answer 17

Found that every £1 spent on restorative justice saves £8 through reduced re-offending.

Question 18

Evaluation points for restorative justice:

Answer 18

-Unlike custodial sentencing, restorative justice is flexible and can be changed to adapt to the needs of those involved.
-Restorative justice may not lead to positive outcomes, if the offender is motivated by a desire to avoid prison (rather than remorse) or if the victim is motivated by revenge or retribution.
-Restorative justice may not be suitable for all crimes (e.g. domestic violence).