Forensics- Dealing W/ Offending Behaviour: Behaviour Modification In Custody Flashcards
Behaviour modification -
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.
What is behaviour modification in custody based on?
Behaviour modification in custody is based on behaviourist principles, which argue that all human behaviour is learned and can be unlearned by applying the same principles that brought it about.
What is the aim of behaviour modification programmes?
The aim is to reinforce obedient behaviour in offenders while punishing disobedience, encouraging the continuation of desirable behaviour and the extinction of undesirable behaviour.
What is a token economy system?
A token economy system is based on operant conditioning, where desirable behaviour is reinforced with tokens that can be exchanged for rewards. Tokens are secondary reinforcers because they derive their value from their association with a reward.
What are examples of desirable behaviour in a token economy system?
Desirable behaviour includes avoiding conflict, following prison rules, keeping one’s cell orderly, working positively in a group, and turning the other cheek when provoked.
What are examples of rewards in a token economy system?
Rewards may include phone calls to loved ones, time in the gym or exercise yard, extra cigarettes, or food.
How is non-compliance handled in a token economy system?
Non-compliance or disobedience may result in tokens and associated privileges being withheld or removed, which acts as a form of punishment.
How is behaviour changed in a token economy system?
Desirable behaviour is identified, broken into small steps (increments), and a baseline measure is established. All staff must follow the same regime of selective reinforcement to ensure consistency.
What did Tom Hobbs and Michael Holt (1976) find in their research on token economy programmes?
They found a significant increase in positive behaviour among young delinquents in token economy groups compared to a control group. Similar results were found in adult prisons by Allyon et al. (1979).
What are the advantages of behaviour modification programmes?
They are easy to implement, cost-effective, and do not require specialist professionals. They can be administered by virtually anyone in any institution.
What are the limitations of behaviour modification programmes?
Benefits can be lost if staff apply techniques inconsistently due to factors like lack of training or high staff turnover.
What is the rehabilitative value of behaviour modification?
Behaviour modification has little rehabilitative value, as positive changes in behaviour may be lost once the offender is released. It is most effective for establishing specific conduct within prison.
What ethical issues are associated with behaviour modification?
Critics argue that behaviour modification is manipulative and dehumanising, as participation is obligatory. Withdrawing privileges like exercise or contact with loved ones is seen as ethically questionable.
What is the criticism regarding the passive nature of token learning?
Behaviour modification deals with surface behaviour only and encourages passive, superficial learning. Offenders may play along to access rewards without genuine character change, leading to regression once the programme ends.
What is the benefit of individually tailored programmes?
Individually tailored programmes, where rewards and their frequency are suited to each individual, are more effective. Clinton Field et al. (2004) found positive results when rewards were more immediate and frequent for non-responsive youths.
Why might individually tailored programmes be difficult to achieve in a typical prison?
Individually tailored programmes may be difficult due to the large number of inmates, limited resources, and the need for consistent and personalised implementation by staff.
What is an eclectic approach in the treatment of offenders?
An eclectic approach combines multiple treatment methods, such as behaviour modification and anger management, to address different aspects of offending behaviour. This may have more long-term effects by targeting both surface behaviour and underlying causes.
