Behaviour Modification

Question 1

What is Behaviour Modification specifically in custody?

Answer 1

• It links to the behaviourist approach to treatment such as management of offenders in prison or secure institutions by replacing undesirable behaviour of offender into desirable ones.

Question 2

What is Behaviour Modification based on?

Answer 2

• Principles of operant conditioning

Question 3

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 3

• Increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring due to it being pleasurable

Question 4

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 4

• Increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring due to the avoidance of an unpleasant situation

Question 5

What is punishment?

Answer 5

• Decreasing the likelihood of a behaviour due to an unpleasant experience

Question 6

What is the general aim of behavioural modification in custody?

Answer 6

• To replace undesirable behaviour in offenders with more desirable ones though selective positive, negative reinforcement and punishment

Question 7

How are token economy system used in behavioural modification in custody?

Answer 7

• When inmates how desirable behaviour, like being quiet in a cell, they are rewarded and behaviour is reinforced via token.
• These tokens are secondary reinforcers which can be changed or something pleasurable (phone calls, extra food.
• Undesirable behaviours such as incompliance results in a reduction of token or them being with held.