Behaviour Modification in custody Flashcards
What are behaviour modification programmes/what are they designed to do
Programmes that reinforce/rewards positive behaviour and punish disobedient behaviour until it’s gone
Based on concepts from the behaviourist approach
Example of programme is token economy which is often used in prison
Describe the concept of a token economy system
Based on operant conditioning
Reinforces positive behaviour by giving tokens which can be exchanged for rewards when doing positive behaviours
Tokens = Secondary reinforcer - Valuable when associated with reward
Disobedient behaviour is punished
Who identified the components needed for a token economy
Miltenberger
Outline the components needed for a token economy
7 components
1) Target behaviours - Choosing desirable/undesirable behaviours
2) Token types - E.g stars, plastic tokens etc
3) Reinforcers identify what tokens are exchanged for e.g. material items, activities etc
4) Reinforcement schedule - When tokens can be exchanged
5) Exchange criteria - Exchange price
6) Place and time of exchange
7) Response cost - Penalty for undesirable behaviour e.g. tokens taken away
Outline the process of changing behaviour in a token economy system
Desirable behaviour identified and broken down into increments(smaller parts)
All staff must follow token economy regime as decided upon
Long term objectives taught slowly through shaping
Requirements for tokens gradually become more complex
Outline the study related to the concept of token economy systems
Hobbs and Holt
Aim - Research effectiveness of token economy in 3 small delinquent centres
Procedure - 3 detention centres used token economy and a 4th had no programme(control group)
Findings - Significant increase in desired behaviour in centres with token economy
Original % of desired behaviour = 66%, 47% and 73%
% after token economy = 91%, 81% and 94%
Conclusion - Token Economy increased desired behaviour/reduced undesirable behaviour through operant conditioning principles
What is a conjugal visit(can be applied to A01 as extra)
Scheduled visit where prisoner can spend extended periods of time in private with a visitor
Illegal in the UK
May reduce physical/sexual violence in prison
Evaluate behaviour modification in custody
Easy to set up/beneficial to both prisoner and prison - Bassett and Blanchard - No need for specialists to set up programmes(Counter - staff need training to be effective)
May have little rehabilitation value - Concept of token economy doesn’t exist in society often - Prisoners experience institutionalisation
Token economy may not be 100% effective - Only deals with superficial behaviour(can be faked) - combination of treatments may be better e.g. by reducing schemas
Nomothetic approach - Field - For high success, rewards must be tailored to individuals
