Forensics (punishments and treatment) Flashcards
Punishment and treatment
Punishment something given as a consequence of a specific behaviour that the recipient does not want, its purpose is to stop the behaviour. Treatment of the term given to the change of behaviour and replacing the unwanted undesirable behaviour to one that is socially desirable. In terms of the criminal justice system punishment is used to stop or deter others from criminal behaviour. It includes punishment probation or fines. Modern criminal justice practice uses a range of psychological techniques.
Punishment (behaviourist)
According to the radical behaviour such as Skinner punishment stops repetition of behaviour. However if this were the case then repeating rates would be zero. This is clearly not the case as long-term prison sentences have 70% repeat offenders. Prison does not work. The question is why does punishment not work. From behaviour’s perspective the punishment was followed quickly this does not happen in criminal justice system. In addition the person must be caught, if there is little chance of being caught the benefits of crime would act as a reinforcement leading to an increasing crime.
Cognitive therapy
This is based on CBT, To identify common defects such as self-control and values. It helps the person recognise and change thinking through
Enhance thinking skills- Group work skills such as thinking before acting.
Reasoning and rehabilitation- teachers social skills and values.
Holline et al
Found those who receive treatments had lower reoffending rates than the control group. But it was found this the short lived after two years. It was found that ETS was effective but not reasoning and rehabilitation. Effectiveness depends on if the course was completed in offenders dropped out they had a higher rate of re-conviction. The program also have no effect on women so it could be gender bias.
Token economy
Prisoners based on token economy, Operent conditioning to improve behaviour. Behaviour change by reinforcing desirable behaviour by giving tokens which are exchanged for certain privileges e.g. TV. This leads to increase in acceptable behaviour. Shaping is also used so good behaviour is given with praise which eventually leads to just praise. So the offenders don’t just expect rewards all the Time.
Behavioural therapy
Immediate and consistent use of tokens is important reinforcement to take place. The importance of consistency was illustrated by Bassett and Blanchard they observed on 1 to 2 month program fail because the misuse of the token system by staff. And meta analysis found juveniles who commit serious crimes reoffending rates was highest in those who didn’t have cognitive therapy. This shows that behavioural therapy only treats overt behaviour. Tokens are suitable also difficult to find such as cigarettes because they’re not healthy.
Zero tolerance
Wilson and kelling found that one broken window could degenerate society because it creates a social. Zero tolerance stops a norm by tackling minor crime. This is used in New York City and was very successful. They could’ve been crime moved to neighbouring areas
Freudian perspective on zero tolerance
Freudian perspective predicts the ego would rationalise criminal behaviour
Token economy
Prisoners based on token economy, Operent conditioning to improve behaviour. Behaviour change by reinforcing desirable behaviour by giving tokens which are exchanged for certain privileges e.g. TV. This leads to increase in acceptable behaviour. Shaping is also used so good behaviour is given with praise which eventually leads to just praise. So the offenders don’t just expect rewards all the Time.
Behavioural therapy
Immediate and consistent use of tokens is important reinforcement to take place. The importance of consistency was illustrated by Bassett and Blanchard they observed on 1 to 2 month program fail because the misuse of the token system by staff. And meta analysis found juveniles who commit serious crimes reoffending rates was highest in those who didn’t have cognitive therapy. This shows that behavioural therapy only treats overt behaviour. Tokens are suitable also difficult to find such as cigarettes because they’re not healthy.
Zero tolerance
Wilson and kelling found that one broken window could degenerate society because it creates a social. Zero tolerance stops a norm by tackling minor crime. This is used in New York City and was very successful. They could’ve been crime moved to neighbouring areas
Freudian perspective on zero tolerance
Freudian perspective predicts the ego would rationalise criminal behaviour if the chances of being caught are lows and rewards are high. Criminal behaviour would especially take place if there is a weak super ego or non-existent. This may explain why zero tolerance approach works. People may adjust to of social norms by vicarious reinforcement.
Pollard
Criticise New York police for being too harsh by harassing citizens and potentially alienating to the community. It created a us vs them approach between place and public. However the effectiveness of Zero tolerance was found on traffic offences in Florida. It led to a 9% decrease in accidents.
