Forensics- Dealing W/ Offending Behaviour: Behaviour Modification In Custody

Question 1

Behaviour modification -

Answer 1

An application of the behaviourist approach to treatment (such as the management of offenders in penal institutions). It is based on the principles of operant conditioning. The general aim is to replace undesirable behaviours with more desirable ones through the selective use of positive and/or negative reinforcement.

Question 2

Behaviour Modification in Custody

What are the principles behind behaviour modification in custody?

Answer 2

•Behaviour modification is based on the behaviourist approach, which suggests that all human behaviour is learned.
•The aim is to unlearn undesirable behaviour and encourage the unlearning of behaviours by applying the same principles that caused the behaviour to begin with.

Question 3

What is a token economy system?

Answer 3

•A token economy is based on operant conditioning, where desirable behaviours are reinforced with tokens that can be exchanged for rewards.
•For example, desirable behaviours such as avoiding conflict or following prison rules can earn tokens.
•Tokens are secondary reinforcers because their value comes from being exchanged for a reward (e.g., phone calls, gym time, extra food).

Question 4

How is behaviour modification implemented in prison?

Answer 4

1. Identify the desired behaviour. (e.g., avoiding confrontation).
   
   2. Break down the behaviour into smaller steps (increments).
   3. Establish a baseline measure of the behaviour.
   4. Reinforce desirable behaviours through tokens.
   5. Punish disobedience by withholding tokens or privileges.

Question 5

Can you provide an example of research on token economy?

Answer 5

•Tom Hobbs and Michael Holt (1976) introduced a token economy programme with young delinquents across different units, and found a significant difference in positive behaviour compared to a control group.
•Allyon et al. (1979) found similar results with adult prisoners.

Question 6

What are the strengths of behaviour modification programmes?

Answer 6

1.Ease of implementation:
•The token economy system can be easily administered without the need for specialist professionals.
•It is cost-effective and easy to follow once a workable system is set up.
•However, consistent application by staff is crucial.
•John Bassett and Edward Blanchard (1977) found that benefits were lost when staff applied the techniques inconsistently

2.Effectiveness in a controlled environment:
•The programme is useful for maintaining appropriate conduct within the prison for specific behaviours.
•However, it may not extend beyond the custodial setting, as law-abiding behaviour may not always be reinforced outside of prison.

Question 7

What are the criticisms of behaviour modification?

Answer 7

1.Little rehabilitative value:
•Ronald Blackburn (1993) argues that behaviour modification has little rehabilitative value.
•The changes in behaviour may not last once the offender is released because the rewards for breaking the law (e.g., group status) may outweigh the rewards for abiding by the law.

2. Ethical issues:
   •Critics, including Moya and Achtenburg (1974), argue that behaviour modification can be manipulative and dehumanising.
   •The scheme is often mandatory, and offenders may have their privileges (e.g., contact with loved ones, exercise) removed as punishment for disobedience.
3. Passive learning:
   •The system encourages superficial learning and does not require offenders to actively reflect on the causes of their behaviour.
   •It focuses on surface behaviour, and offenders may comply merely to gain rewards, which does not promote long-term character change.
   •Once the programme ends, offenders may regress to their previous behaviour.

Question 8

What makes behaviour modification more effective for some offenders?

Answer 8

•Individually tailored programmes are more effective, as demonstrated by Clinton Field et al. (2004).
•Young offenders who didn’t respond to the original token economy were placed on a special programme with more immediate and frequent rewards, leading to better outcomes.
•This suggests that for maximum effectiveness, the rewards and frequency should be suited to the individual.