Forensics: Behaviour Modification AO3

Question 1

Easy to implement

Answer 1

•Can be easily implemented
•No need for expertise or specialist professionals as there would be for anger management programmes
•They are cost effective and easy to follow

Question 2

Counter point to easy to implement

Answer 2

BUT….
•The use of these systems depend on a consistent approach from prison staff

Bassett (1977)
•Found the benefits of the system were lost if staff were not consistent

Question 3

Little Rehabilitative Value

Answer 3

•Any positive changes in behaviour in prison tend to be lost once the offender is released
•TCS is at its best when establishing good conduct in an actual prison
•Law-abiding behaviour is not always reinforced from the outside or the offender receives rewards for breaking the law such as group status

Question 4

Ethical Issues

Answer 4

•Not allowing an offender to have contact with a loved one or lack of exercise as a form of punishment is deemed unethical

Question 5

Passive token learning

Answer 5

•It only deals with surface behaviour and encourages a passive form of learning
•No reflection on their offences
•Therefore will not reform their character
•Offenders just tend to play along with system to get their rewards

Question 6

Long term effects

Answer 6

Cohen and Filipczak (1971)
•Showed that in an adult prison a token economy group showed more desirable behaviour than a control group
•Those who took part in the programme less likely to reoffend in two year but in three years there was no difference
•Suggest TCS may just delay recidivism