Forensic Psychology

Question 1

: What is a strength of custodial sentencing in relation to improving inmate behavior through behavior modification?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What is a limitation of custodial sentencing when considering the sustainability of behavior modification effects?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

What is a limitation of custodial sentencing in terms of its effectiveness in reducing long-term recidivism through behavior modification?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What are the evaluation points for the top-down approach?

Answer 4

+) data-driven
-) overly reliant on data
-)evidence comes from real world applications

Question 5

How is being data driven a strength?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

How is real world application a strength?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

How is over-reliance on data a limitation?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is the focus of restorative justice?

Answer 8

Focuses on repairing harm caused by the crime rather than punishing the offender

Question 9

How does RJ view crime in relation to the individual versus the state?

Answer 9

RJ emphasises repairing harm done to the individual victim rather than treating the crime as against the state

Question 10

What is a key feature of RJ involving meetings?

Answer 10

Face-to-face meetings or remotely arranged video links between the victim and offender are a key feature.

Question 11

What role does the survivor play in RJ?

Answer 11

The survivor explains the impact of the crime, helping the offender understand its effects.

Question 12

How does RJ encourage active participation?

Answer 12

RJ focuses on active participation from both victims and offenders.

Question 13

When can RJ occur in relation to sentencing?

Answer 13

RJ may occur pre-trial or as an alternative to prison, especially for young offenders

Question 14

How can RJ impact prison sentences?

Answer 14

RJ can occur during imprisonment as an incentive to reduce the length of the sentence.

Question 15

What is financial restitution in RJ?

Answer 15

Financial restitution involves the offender making monetary payments to the victim.

Question 16

What is practical restitution in RJ?

Answer 16

Practical restitution involves offenders providing assistance to the victim.

Question 17

What is emotional restitution in RJ?

Answer 17

Emotional restitution supports the survivor by helping to rebuild their confidence.

Question 18

What is anger management, and how is it classified?

Answer 18

Anger management is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focusing on recognizing triggers and managing aggression.

Question 19

What did Novaco (1975) suggest about cognitive factors?

Answer 19

Novaco suggested cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal, which leads to aggressive behavior.

Question 20

What is the main aim of anger management programs?

Answer 20

The aim is to develop self-control and reduce aggressive behavior.

Question 21

What happens during the cognitive preparation stage of anger management?

Answer 21

Offenders reflect on their past and identify anger-provoking situations.

Question 22

*What is taught to offenders during the skills acquisition stage?

Answer 22

Offenders are introduced to techniques for dealing with anger-provoking situations.

Question 23

What are the three main techniques taught in skills acquisition?

Answer 23

Techniques include:

• Cognitive (e.g., positive self-talk),
• Behavioral (e.g., assertiveness training),
• Physiological (e.g., relaxation methods).

Question 24

What happens during the application practice stage?

Answer 24

Offenders practice skills in a controlled environment, such as role-playing anger-provoking scenarios.

Question 25

What is the role of the therapist in anger management programs?

Answer 25

The therapist reinforces offenders’ successful use of anger management techniques

Question 26

What did Keen et al. (2000) investigate regarding anger management programs?

Answer 26

They studied an eight-session program with young offenders aged 17-21.

Question 27

What outcomes were reported in Keen et al.’s (2000) study?

Answer 27

Offenders reported increased awareness of their anger and an improved capacity for self-control.

Question 28

What is the main aim of behavior modification in custody?

Answer 28

To reinforce desirable behavior and extinguish undesirable behavior using operant conditioning.

Question 29

What is the role of a token economy in behavior modification?*

Answer 29

Tokens act as secondary reinforcers and are given when prisoners perform desirable behaviors.

Question 30

How are tokens used as reinforcers in custody?

Answer 30

Tokens can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like phone calls, TV time, or extra cigarettes.

Question 31

What happens to tokens as a form of punishment?

Answer 31

Tokens may be removed if prisoners engage in undesirable behavior.

Question 32

How are target behaviors operationalized in behavior modification programs?

Answer 32

Target behaviors are broken down into measurable components (e.g., speaking politely, keeping hands to oneself).

Question 33

What should each unit of behavior in a token economy include?

Answer 33

Each behavior should be objective and agreed upon by staff and prisoners

Question 34

What is the importance of a scoring system in behavior modification?*

Answer 34

Staff and prisoners must be aware of the value of each behavior, with rewards outnumbering punishments by at least 4:1.

Question 35

Why is it important to train staff in behavior modification programs?

Answer 35

Staff training ensures standardized procedures, so all staff reward the same behaviors.

Question 36

How should progress in behavior modification programs be assessed?*

Answer 36

A record of tokens awarded is kept to monitor progress of individual prisoners.

Question 37

What study highlights the importance of reinforcement in behavior modification?

Answer 37

Gendreau et al. (2011) suggested reinforcement must outnumber punishment by at least 4:1 for effective behavior change.

Question 38

What are the four main aims of custodial sentencing?

Answer 38

Incapacitation, retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation.

Question 39

What is the purpose of incapacitation in custodial sentencing?

Answer 39

To protect the public by removing offenders from society.

Question 40

*How does retribution work as an aim of custodial sentencing?

Answer 40

Retribution involves making the offender suffer as a way of “paying” for their crime.

Question 41

What is the goal of deterrence in custodial sentencing?

Answer 41

To discourage offenders and the public from committing crimes.

Question 42

How does custodial sentencing contribute to rehabilitation?

Answer 42

Prison provides opportunities for reform, such as treatment for addiction or education.

Question 43

What psychological effects are associated with custodial sentencing?

Answer 43

Stress, depression, institutionalization, and prisonisation.

Question 44

What are the effects of stress and depression in custodial settings?

Answer 44

Suicide rates in prison are significantly higher than in the general population.

Question 45

What is institutionalization, and how does it affect prisoners?

Answer 45

Institutionalization occurs when prisoners become accustomed to prison norms and struggle to adapt to life outside.

Question 46

What is prisonisation?

Answer 46

Prisonisation involves adopting behaviors unacceptable outside but encouraged within prison.

Question 47

What is the recidivism rate in the UK, and what does it reflect?**

Answer 47

About 45% of UK offenders reoffend within a year, highlighting prison’s limited role as a deterrent.