FP - Dealing with offending behaviour: Behaviour modification in custody Flashcards
Behaviour modification
A therapeutic technique used to increase or decrease the frequencies of behaviour using operant conditioning.
Operant conditioning
Learning through reinforcement or punishment. If a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence, then that behaviour is more likely to occur again in the future.
Token economy
A form of therapy where desirable behaviours are encouraged by the use of selective reinforcements. Rewards (tokens) are given as secondary reinforcers when individuals engage in correct/socially desirable behaviours. The tokens can then be exchanged for primary reinforcers - food or privileges.
What behaviourist principle are behaviour modification techniques based in?
Operant conditioning.
What is the behaviour modification technique we need to know?
Token economy.
What are prisoners given tokens?
When they perform desirable behaviours, such as making their bed or obeying orders.
What can tokens be used to obtain?
Desirable goods such as tobacco, food or watching TV.
What do the items purchased by tokens act as?
Primary reinforcers
What do reinforcers do to a desirable behaviour?
Increase the likelihood that a behaviour will be repeated.
What are the tokens known as?
Secondary reinforcers.
Why are tokens secondary reinforcers?
Because they become reinforcers through being repeatedly presented alongside the reinforcing stimulus (this is classical conditioning).
What can happen to tokens is an undesirable behaviour is performed?
They can be removed which would be a punishment.
How can token economy be used for shaping?
Longer-term objectives or complex behaviours consisting of smaller components can be taught through the process of shaping, whereby tokens are given for behaviours that progressively become more complex.
For example, initially tokens would be given for prisoners making their bed daily (something easily achievable) and then later it might be for being polite to prison guards.
What is the key study on behaviour modification in custody?
Hobbs and Holt (1976)
Briefly explain what Hobbs and Holt (1976) aimed to do in their study/who their ppts were
Observed a token economy in use at Alabama Boys Industrial school, a state training school for adolescent delinquents (aged 12-15). The aim was to reduce inappropriate social behaviour before and after dinner and when lining up.