dealing with offending behaviour : behavioural modification in custody

Question 1

behaviourist principles

Answer 1

reinforce obedient/desirable behaviours in offenders

Question 2

token economy

Answer 2

-desirable behaviours (avoid conflict) can be rewarded with tokens (secondary reinforcers)
-can be exchanged for primary reinforcers (phone call home etc)

Question 3

changing behaviour

Answer 3

1. operationalise target behaviours = behaviours broken down to be manageable (e.g. being polite)
2. scoring = rewarded for performing a behaviour rather than not performing
3. train staff = all staff given training to standardise

Question 4

strength

Answer 4

increase in positive behaviour
-hobbs and holt = in offenders with token economy compared to non-token
HOWEVER
-field et al = more effective when rewards were immediate for young people

Question 5

strength

Answer 5

cost-effective and easier to implement
-compared to rehabilitation and anger management
-established easy in any setting

Question 6

weakness

Answer 6

may only lead to superficial change
-don’t tackle the root of criminal behaviour compared to anger management (permanent change)
-weaken token economies as a method for dealing with offenders