Dealing with Offending Behavior: Behavior Modification

Question 1

Behaviourist approach

Answer 1

Undesirable behaviours can be unlearned

Question 2

The behaviourist approach proposes that behaviour is learnt

Answer 2

It should be possible to unlearn behaviour using the same principles

Question 3

Behaviour modification programmes are designed with the aim of

Answer 3

Reinforcing obedient behaviour whilst punishing disobedience in the hope that it dies out

Question 4

Token economy

Answer 4

Tokens are given to reinforce desirable behaviours

Question 5

Token economy systems are managed by

Answer 5

Prison staff to modify the behaviour of inmates

Question 6

What is the token economy system based off?

Answer 6

Operant conditioning

Question 7

Desirable inmates behaviours are

Answer 7

Rewarded (reinforced) with tokens

Question 8

Desirable behaviours might include

Answer 8

Avoiding conflict, being quiet in the cell and following rules

Question 9

Tokens are not rewarding in themselves but rewarding because

Answer 9

They can be exchanged for something desirable

Question 10

The reward will vary according to the

Answer 10

Institution

Question 11

Potential rewards include

Answer 11

A phone call
Time in the gym or the exercise yard
Extra cigarettes or food

Question 12

Rewards such as phone calls to loved ones or food are

Answer 12

Primary reinforcers

Question 13

Tokens are secondary reinforcers because they drive their

Answer 13

Value from their association with a primary reinforcer

Question 14

Behaviours and rewards would be made clear

Answer 14

To the prisoners beforehand

Question 15

If the prisoner is disobedient then

Answer 15

Tokens and rewards can be removed

Question 16

When designing a behaviour modification programme

Answer 16

Desirable behaviour is identified, its broken down into small steps and a baseline measure is established

Question 17

All of those that come into contact with offenders must

Answer 17

Follow the same regime of selective reinforcement

Question 18

If the prison staff decide to give tokens for a tidy room

Answer 18

They must do this consistently and not give tokens if the prisoners room doesn’t meet the standard

Question 19

Behaviour modification does not need

Answer 19

Specialist professionals as other treatments do

Question 20

It is also cost effective and

Answer 20

Easy to follow once the programme is designed

Question 21

Bassett and Blanchard Date

Answer 21

1977

Question 22

Bassett and Blanchard found any benefits were

Answer 22

Lost after inconsistent staff application, lack of training or high staff turnover

Question 23

Blackburn Date

Answer 23

1993

Question 24

Blackburn argued that positive changes in prison may

Answer 24

Quickly be lost when the offender is released - token economy cannot be maintained outside of prison

Question 25

Positive changes in inmates is lost because law abiding behaviour is

Answer 25

Not always reinforced on the outside

Question 26

Because token economy systems cannot be maintained outside of the prison environment

Answer 26

They are limited in value

Question 27

The conditions of behaviour modification are regarded as

Answer 27

Manipulative and dehumanising by some

Question 28

Participation in token economy is

Answer 28

Often obligatory for offenders rather than optional

Question 29

An offender who decides not to comply with the scheme looses

Answer 29

Privileges which is ethically questionable

Question 30

Behaviour modification encourages

Answer 30

Passive learning and focuses on surface behaviours

Question 31

Offenders can simply play along with

Answer 31

The token economy system to access rewards but this leads to little change in their overall principles

Question 32

Field et al Date

Answer 32

2004

Question 33

Field et al examined a token economy programme for young people with behavioural problems

Answer 33

It was generally effective but a number of young people didn’t respond to the programme