Forensics: Behaviour Modification

Question 1

What are token economies?

Answer 1

systems based upon operant conditioning and reinforcement. These increased the likelihood of desired behaviour (e.g. avoiding confrontation) being repeated. Everytime this behaviour is carried out, the offender receives a token which can then be swapped with a privilege or reward.

Question 2

What’s an example of a reward of token economies?

Answer 2

A conjugal visit- a scheduled visit where if innmates is behaved, can spend several hours or days in private with their spouse. This reduces sexual and physical violence in prisons (D’Alessio 2012) however it is illegal in the UK

Question 3

How does Cohen and Filipczak (1971) support token economies?

Answer 3

token economy groups showed more desired behaviour than control groups. After 2 years the token group were less likely to have reoffended. however, rates of recidivism after 3 years went back to reflecting national statistics- suggesting improvements are short-term.

Question 4

What did Hobbs and Holt (1976) find?

Answer 4

a token economy system was introduced across 3 young boys behavioural units, the 4th unit acted as a control. The token group showed a significant difference in the amount of positive behaviour. the same was found in adult institutions (Allyton 1979)

Question 5

Who found that the benefits of token economies were lost when the staff applied the rules inconsistently due to lack of training or high staff turnover?

Answer 5

Bassett and Blanchard (1977)

Question 6

What is Moya and Achtenburg (1974) find against token economies?

Answer 6

offenders are not given whether they want to participate in it. Withdrawal of privileges such as exercise or phone calls to loved one may also be ethinically questionable.

Question 7

Whats a real life application going against token economies?

Answer 7

Blackburn (1993) stated they have little rehabilitative value and any positive changes may quickly be lost when offenders don’t get rewarded on the outside world.

Question 8

What is Anger Management?

Answer 8

a programme in prisons to identify triggers and allow prisoners to deal with the situation in a positive and calm manner using cognitive techniques. it is a form of CBT.

Question 9

What’s the first stage of Anger management?

Answer 9

cognitive preparation- offender reflects on past experience of anger and triggers. Therapists aim to identify if the response is irrational and aim to break an irrational automatic response in the future

Question 10

What’s the second stage of anger management?

Answer 10

Skills aquisition- offenders introduced to a range of techniques/skills to help deal with triggers more effectively (cognitive: positive self-talk, behavioural:assertiveness training to help communicate better, and physiological: methods of relaxation and meditation.)

Question 11

What’s the final stage of anger management?

Answer 11

Application practise- offenders are given the opportunity to practise skills in a monitored environment using role play. the positive response would be met with a positive reinforcement from the therapist.

Question 12

Who found evidence to support CBT?

Answer 12

Keen (2000)- the National Anger Management package was trailed in England and Wales with offenders (17-21 years). Initial issues of ptps not taking the course seriously and forgetting their routines, however the programme was considered a success. Offenders reported high levels of self-control and increased awareness after the course.

Question 13

What are some strengths of CBT?

Answer 13

1) Eclectic approach- CBT works on many levels (e.g. cognitive, behavioural and social) so acknowledges the complexity behind offending behaviours.
2) Tackles the cause- unlike token economies, it attempts to tackle the cause of criminal offences rather than just behaviours.

Question 14

What evidence against CBT did Loza-Fanous (1999) find?

Answer 14

psychometric tests found little difference between the non-violent and violent offenders. Anger management may also create excuses/justification for their behaviour. Many crimes (e.g. fraud) are not motivated by anger

Question 15

What evidence did Blackburn (1993) find against CBT?

Answer 15

he found little evidence that Anger management reduces recidivism in the long-term. Mainly due to the application being based on role play, which may not cover all scenarios that could arise in real life (e.g. may not be the same to a busy pub on a Saturday night)

Question 16

what are some weaknesses of anger management?

Answer 16

1) limited long-term affects
2) expensive and requires commitment (highly trained specialists to deal with violent offenders)
3) Anger may not cause offending (not necessarily a link with anger causing crime in all cases, as many non-violent crimes, e.g burglary, financial crimes, etc.)

Question 17

What is restorative justice?

Answer 17

changing the emphasis- focuses on the needs of the victim, giving them a ‘voice’ rather than the needs of the state to punish. Based on healing and empowerment through a supervised meeting between the offender and the victim (voluntary for all parties) to seek a positive outcome.

Question 18

What are the aims of Restorative Justice?

Answer 18

1) An opportunity for the victim to explain the impact of the crime (impact statement)
2) acknowledgement of the harm caused
3) a chance to ask questions
4) acceptance of responsibility
5) active rather than passive involvement from both parties.

Question 19

How did Sherman and Strangs (2007) provide evidence to support Restorative justice?

Answer 19

Meta-analysis found no way can RJ be more harmful than traditional justice systems (at least equally effective). In most cases, it is significantly more effective at lowering recidivism rates, as well as PTSD in victims.

Question 20

What did Latimer (2012) also find that supports RJ?

Answer 20

that feedback is overall positive compared to other forms of punishment.

Question 21

What’s a strength to RJ?

Answer 21

diversity of programmes (can be applied differently)

Question 22

What evidence did Miers (2001) find against RJ?

Answer 22

most meetings were favourable, however some victims felt unsure offenders were taking part for the right reasons.

Question 23

What are some weaknesses to RJ?

Answer 23

1) relies on the offender showing remorse
2) expensive (needs a skilled mediator to run)
3) soft option (may not be seen as a real sentence)
4) feminist critique- been a call for a ban of RJ by feminist groups for domestic violence cases due to the power imbalance between the abuser and the abused.