Dealing with offending behaviour - Behaviour modification

Question 1

What is behaviour modification

Answer 1

based on the behaviourist idea that desirable behaviours can be learnt.

The use of operant conditioning principles of reinforcement and punishment are applied in prison token economy systems

Question 2

Token economy in a prison

Answer 2

offenders are systematically rewarded with tokens for predefined desired target behaviours (helping in canteen).

Tokens act as secondary reinforcers, they can be exchanged later for primary reinforcers like chocolate or saved up for larger rewards like taking part in enjoyable activities (movie night).

Bad behaviour may result in tokens being taken away, acting as negative punishment

Question 3

Behaviour modification strength

Answer 3

Hobbs and Holt developed a token economy system for young offenders at a residential school for delinquent males. There was a significant increase in appropriate behaviour in the students taking part in the token economy program with no improvement in the control group, suggesting token economy is effective

Token economy is easy to set up within a prison, not needing highly trained specialists, meaning it can be an effective way of dealing with offending behaviour within the prison environment improving conditions for staff and prisoners

Question 4

Behaviour modification limitation

Answer 4

Token economy is limited in that it can only be used effectively in the controlled setting, such as a prison, it has no long term effects in reducing recidivism