dealing with offending behaviour: behaviour modification

Question 1

what is the aim of behaviour modification programmes

Answer 1

designed with the aim of reinforcing obedient behaviours in offenders and punishing disobedience in the hope disobedience becomes extinct

Question 2

give an example of a type of behaviour modification programmes

Answer 2

token economy

Question 3

what is a token economy system based on

Answer 3

operant conditioning

Question 4

what are given to prisoners in a token economy system

Answer 4

tokens

Question 5

what are tokens awarded for

Answer 5

desirable behaviour

Question 6

why may tokens be taken away

Answer 6

prisoner performs disobedient behaviour

Question 7

give an example of an obedient behaviour

Answer 7

avoiding confrontation

working with others in a group task

not swearing

Question 8

what is the primary reinforcer

Answer 8

the rewards received from the tokens
(e.g: phone call to a loved one, extra time in the yard or gym)

Question 9

what is a secondary reinforcer

Answer 9

tokens

Question 10

design a token economy system

Answer 10

operationalise target behaviours

(break down improved interactions with other inmates into not touching others as you pass, speaking politely to others)

scoring system

behaviours are hierarchal so ones that are rewarded as more demanding receive greater rewards.

Question 11

what is the recommended ratio of reinforcements to punishments

Answer 11

the recommendation is that reinforcements outweigh punishments 4:1
(Gendreau et al 2011)

Question 12

what is said about token economy systems in prisons in terms of training

Answer 12

training may involve several hours for a number of weeks

the aim is to standardise procedures so all prison staff are rewarding the same behaviours in the same way