Forensic Psychology Flashcards
: What is a strength of custodial sentencing in relation to improving inmate behavior through behavior modification?
P: Custodial sentencing can improve inmate behavior when behavior modification is used.
Ev: Hobbs and Holt (1976) implemented positive reinforcement in three youth institutions, where treated groups showed more positive behaviors than controls.
Ex: This shows that behavior modification within custodial settings can encourage better conduct, aiding rehabilitation.
L: This strength indicates that custodial sentencing has rehabilitative potential when paired with behavior modification programs, creating a more positive institutional environment.
What is a limitation of custodial sentencing when considering the sustainability of behavior modification effects?
P: The effects of behavior modification may not last after the program ends.
Ev: Rice et al. found that positive behaviors increased with behavior modification but declined significantly once reinforcement stopped.
Ex: This suggests that behavioral gains may be short-lived without consistent support.
L: This limitation indicates that custodial sentencing may struggle to produce lasting rehabilitative effects without ongoing reinforcement.
What is a limitation of custodial sentencing in terms of its effectiveness in reducing long-term recidivism through behavior modification?
P: Behavior modification in custody may reduce reoffending, but the effect may fade
Evidence: Cohen and Filipcjak found lower recidivism in a treatment group, though rates returned to normal within three years.
Explanation: Behavior modification has short-term benefits but may need continued support for lasting impact.
Link: This suggests custodial sentencing can reduce reoffending if behavior modification is included, but longer-term strategies are needed.
What are the evaluation points for the top-down approach?
+) data-driven
-) overly reliant on data
-)evidence comes from real world applications
How is being data driven a strength?
P - bottom-up approach is data driven
Ev - uses evidence from the crime scene and statistical analysis to build a profile
Ex - allows for more objective and reliable offender profile
L - This scientific approach contrasts with the top-down approach, reducing bias
How is real world application a strength?
P - evidence from RWA
Ev - Canter’s profiling sucsessfully used in John Duffy
Ex - shows approach’s effectiveness in identifying serial offenders
L - strengthens credibility of the top-down approach
How is over-reliance on data a limitation?
P - over-reliant on data
Ev - small/ inaccurate datasets can lead to flawed profiles
Ex - limits accuracy if data isn’t comprehensive
L - approach may not always yield reliable results
What is the focus of restorative justice?
Focuses on repairing harm caused by the crime rather than punishing the offender
How does RJ view crime in relation to the individual versus the state?
RJ emphasises repairing harm done to the individual victim rather than treating the crime as against the state
What is a key feature of RJ involving meetings?
Face-to-face meetings or remotely arranged video links between the victim and offender are a key feature.
What role does the survivor play in RJ?
The survivor explains the impact of the crime, helping the offender understand its effects.
How does RJ encourage active participation?
RJ focuses on active participation from both victims and offenders.
When can RJ occur in relation to sentencing?
RJ may occur pre-trial or as an alternative to prison, especially for young offenders
How can RJ impact prison sentences?
RJ can occur during imprisonment as an incentive to reduce the length of the sentence.
What is financial restitution in RJ?
Financial restitution involves the offender making monetary payments to the victim.
What is practical restitution in RJ?
Practical restitution involves offenders providing assistance to the victim.
What is emotional restitution in RJ?
Emotional restitution supports the survivor by helping to rebuild their confidence.
What is anger management, and how is it classified?
Anger management is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focusing on recognizing triggers and managing aggression.
What did Novaco (1975) suggest about cognitive factors?
Novaco suggested cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal, which leads to aggressive behavior.
What is the main aim of anger management programs?
The aim is to develop self-control and reduce aggressive behavior.
What happens during the cognitive preparation stage of anger management?
Offenders reflect on their past and identify anger-provoking situations.
*What is taught to offenders during the skills acquisition stage?
Offenders are introduced to techniques for dealing with anger-provoking situations.
What are the three main techniques taught in skills acquisition?
Techniques include:
- Cognitive (e.g., positive self-talk),
- Behavioral (e.g., assertiveness training),
- Physiological (e.g., relaxation methods).
What happens during the application practice stage?
Offenders practice skills in a controlled environment, such as role-playing anger-provoking scenarios.
What is the role of the therapist in anger management programs?
The therapist reinforces offenders’ successful use of anger management techniques
What did Keen et al. (2000) investigate regarding anger management programs?
They studied an eight-session program with young offenders aged 17-21.
What outcomes were reported in Keen et al.’s (2000) study?
Offenders reported increased awareness of their anger and an improved capacity for self-control.
What is the main aim of behavior modification in custody?
To reinforce desirable behavior and extinguish undesirable behavior using operant conditioning.
What is the role of a token economy in behavior modification?*
Tokens act as secondary reinforcers and are given when prisoners perform desirable behaviors.
How are tokens used as reinforcers in custody?
Tokens can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like phone calls, TV time, or extra cigarettes.
What happens to tokens as a form of punishment?
Tokens may be removed if prisoners engage in undesirable behavior.
How are target behaviors operationalized in behavior modification programs?
Target behaviors are broken down into measurable components (e.g., speaking politely, keeping hands to oneself).
What should each unit of behavior in a token economy include?
Each behavior should be objective and agreed upon by staff and prisoners
What is the importance of a scoring system in behavior modification?*
Staff and prisoners must be aware of the value of each behavior, with rewards outnumbering punishments by at least 4:1.
Why is it important to train staff in behavior modification programs?
Staff training ensures standardized procedures, so all staff reward the same behaviors.
How should progress in behavior modification programs be assessed?*
A record of tokens awarded is kept to monitor progress of individual prisoners.
What study highlights the importance of reinforcement in behavior modification?
Gendreau et al. (2011) suggested reinforcement must outnumber punishment by at least 4:1 for effective behavior change.
What are the four main aims of custodial sentencing?
Incapacitation, retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation.
What is the purpose of incapacitation in custodial sentencing?
To protect the public by removing offenders from society.
*How does retribution work as an aim of custodial sentencing?
Retribution involves making the offender suffer as a way of “paying” for their crime.
What is the goal of deterrence in custodial sentencing?
To discourage offenders and the public from committing crimes.
How does custodial sentencing contribute to rehabilitation?
Prison provides opportunities for reform, such as treatment for addiction or education.
What psychological effects are associated with custodial sentencing?
Stress, depression, institutionalization, and prisonisation.
What are the effects of stress and depression in custodial settings?
Suicide rates in prison are significantly higher than in the general population.
What is institutionalization, and how does it affect prisoners?
Institutionalization occurs when prisoners become accustomed to prison norms and struggle to adapt to life outside.
What is prisonisation?
Prisonisation involves adopting behaviors unacceptable outside but encouraged within prison.
What is the recidivism rate in the UK, and what does it reflect?**
About 45% of UK offenders reoffend within a year, highlighting prison’s limited role as a deterrent.
