Forensics - Behaviour modification Flashcards

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1
Q

what are token economies

A
  • prisoners given a token when desirable behaviour is performed
  • behaviours and rewards are made clear before the programme is implemented
  • non-compliance or disobedience may result in token economies being removed
  • token economies are secondary reinforcers
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1
Q

what is behaviour modification

A
  • application of the behaviourist approach
  • based on the principles of operant conditioning
  • replace undesirable behaviour
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2
Q

how to design a token economy

A

Operationalise target behaviours
- units of behaviour should be objective and measurable and agreed with prison staff and inmates in advance

Scoring system
- how much a particular behaviour is worth should be established
- behaviours are hierarchal

Train staff
- standardise the procedures
- staff record when they have awarded tokens so the progress of the individual prisoners can be assessed

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3
Q

what are the strengths

A

Hobbs and Holt
- observed a significant difference in positive behaviour compared to a control group

Easy to implement
- no need for specialists or professionals
- cost-effective
- established in most settings

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4
Q

what are the limitations

A

Blackburn
- any positive changes in behaviour that may occur may be lost once released from prison
- CBT treatments may lead to more permanent behaviour
- offenders can play along to just simply gain rewards

Basset and Blanchard
- any benefits were lost if staff were inconsistent
- due to staff training and a high staff turnover

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