Dealing with offending behaviour: Behaviour modification in custody

Question 1

What behaviourist principle based on?

Answer 1

• The fact all human behaviour is learnt, we can encourage the unlearning of behaviour by applying the same principles

Question 2

How do token economies work?

Answer 2

• Based on operant conditioning
• It reinforces desirable behaviour with a token that can be exchanged with a reward
• Secondary reinforcers = tokens, they derive their value from their association with a reward
• Primary reinforcers = rewards (phone call to a loved one, time in gym, extra cigarettes, etc)

Question 3

Strength: Research support

Answer 3

• Tom Hobbs and Michael Holt introduced a TE programme of young offenders across 3 behavioural units
• Observed a significant difference in positive behaviour compared to non-token economy group
• Suggests that token economies are effective

Question 4

Strength: easy to implement

Answer 4

• Relatively straight forward to set up
• No need for a specialist professional to be involved as there would be other forms of treatment such as anger management
• Can be designed and implemented by anyone in any institution, they are cost effective
• Can be accessed by all prisoners

Question 5

Weakness: Little rehabilitative value

Answer 5

• May not affect long term behaviour
• Positive changes in prison may be lost when released
• Cognitive based treatments may be more likely to lead to permanent behavioural change
• Requires offender to understand cause of their offending and take responsibility
• Explains why an offender may regress to their former behaviour

Question 6

Weakness: Ethical issues

Answer 6

• Some prisoners may be unable to earn tokens because they can’t control their behaviour so they are denied of privileges
• Some establishments may involve punishment as part of the token economy
• Violation of human rights, especially to those who may suffer from mental disorders
• Contributed to the loss of popularity of token systems in prisons