Forensics - Behaviour modification

Question 1

What is the aim of behaviour modification programmes in prison?

Answer 1

Behaviour modification programmes aim to reinforce obedient or desirable behaviour in offenders, based on the behaviourist principle that all behaviour is learned (so undesirable behaviour can be ‘unlearned’).
Undesirable behaviour should therefore be punished to reduce the likelihood of such behaviour being repeated.

Question 2

What is a token economy system?

Answer 2

This can be used in prisons. Desirable behaviours, such as avoiding conflict and keeping a cell tidy, can be rewarded with tokens (secondary reinforcers) which can be exchanged for a primary reinforcer- something desirable such as extra food or a phone call home. Non-compliance or disobedience results in tokens and their associated privileges being withheld.

Question 3

How is the process of changing behaviour in prisons made more manageable?

Answer 3

To make this process more manageable, a desirable behaviour, such as avoiding conflict, is broken down into more achievable sub-steps, such as working well in a group. The same behaviours would be rewarded by every person (prison officer) the offender comes into contact with.

Question 4

Evaluate token economy systems in behaviour modification - Hobbs & Holt

Answer 4

Hobbs & Holt3– introduced token economy system with groups of young delinquents across 3 behavioural units (and 4th control), significant different in token economy groups compared to non-token economy group – shows that it is effective in bringing about positive behaviour

Question 5

Evaluate token economy systems in behaviour modification - outward

Answer 5

Only deals with outward behaviour, ignores cognitive or psychological aspects – this does not actually always fix drive to offend, and may mean offenders ‘play along’ to receive rewards

Question 6

Evaluate token economy systems in behaviour modification - easy but inconsistent

Answer 6

Easy to Implement – no need for specialist professionals, cost-effective and easy to follow

However, benefits were lost due to techniques being applied inconsistently due to lack of training and high staff turnover – may be inefficient in that it requires total consistency within the institution