Individualistic theories influencing policies Flashcards
Where are token economies used?
Token economy and operant learning can be used in some prisons.
Describe the token economy
Institutions (prisons) draw a list of desirable behaviours.
When offenders behave in the desired way they earn a token.
These may be exchanged for rewards.
through this selective reinforcement good behaviour became more likely.
How effective is token economy?
some studies show an improvement in behaviour, but once the reinforcement stops, the behaviours tend to disappear.
However, offenders return to crime slower than people that did not do the programme.
it makes prisoners more manageable in prison.
Who is Aversion therapy used on?
treating sex offenders and gay people.
How does aversion therapy work?
offenders are asked to think about an unacceptable sexual fantasy until aroused.
A strongly aversive stimulus is then administered.
This is repeated until the offender come to associate deviant arousal and the stimulus.
How affective is aversion therapy?
very limited success usually only short term.
