DEALING: Behaviour modification + token economy

Question 1

what is the behaviourist principle?

Answer 1

Based on the behaviourist approach that offending behaviour is LEARNT so can be UNlearnt.

behaviour modification principles are designed to AIM to reinforce OBEDIANT behaviours in offenders whilst PUNISHING disobedient so the criminal behaviour becomes EXTINCT through using a TOKEN ECONOMY system.

Question 2

what is a token economy system?

Answer 2

based on OPERANT conditioning. Behaviours and rewards are made CLEAR to prisoners BEFORE the programme begins,

Desirabale behaviours (following prison rules) will be REINFORCED with a token that can be EXCHANGED for primary reinforcers rewards (phone calls/gym time). EMPHASIS that disobedience will lead to PUNISHMENTS (priviledges being REMOVED)

Question 3

why are tokens SECONDARY reinforcers?

Answer 3

Because their value comes from the ASSOCIATION with the REWARD.

Question 4

what are the 3 stages of behavioural modification in custody?

Answer 4

1. operationalise target behaviours
2. scoring system
3. Training staff

Question 5

How do you operationalise target behaviours?

Answer 5

By breaking it down into component parts that are OBJECTIVE and measurable, and AGREED between prison staff and inmates.

Question 6

what is the scoring system? #2

Answer 6

staff and prisoners make a scoring system to determine how MUCH each beaviour is WORTH. Behavioural HIERARCHY with more DEMANDING behaviour receiving MORE rewards.

Tokens can be exchanged for rewawds, reinforcements should OUTWEIGH punishments by a 4:1 ratio.

Question 7

how do they train staff ? #3

Answer 7

With the aim to STANDARDISE the procedures so ALL staff are rewarding the SAME behaviours.

Staff must also RECORD when they have AWARDED tokens so that inmate PROGRESS is MONITORED.