token economy system

Question 1

Behaviourist principle

Answer 1

All behaviour learned can be unlearned

Question 2

Token economy

Answer 2

Operant conditioning using tokens e.g. food

Question 3

Design

Answer 3

Operationalise target behaviours e.g. reading
Scoring hierarchy - more rewards than punishment
Train staff - standardise, record prisoners’ progress

Question 4

Research support

Answer 4

More positive behaviours found in young behaviours, immediate frequent and positive
COUNTER
Benefits are lost if techniques are inconsistent due to poor training or a different officer

Question 5

Easy to implement

Answer 5

No specialist needed can be run by any prison staff once trained - cost effective

Question 6

Little rehabilitative value

Answer 6

Other treatment e.g. Anger management lead to more permanent behavioural change - Blackburn

Question 7

Ethical issues

Answer 7

Token economy reduces stress in persons but can be manipulative and dehumanising