Behaviour modification

Question 1

What is their aims?

Answer 1

to reinforce obedient behaviour whilst punishing disobedient behaviour

Question 2

How are the aims made possible?

Answer 2

through the token economy system

Question 3

What is token economy?

Answer 3

1. based on operant conditioning
2. reinforces desirable behaviour with a token that can be exchanged for a reward.
3. disobedience means tokens are withdrawn.

Question 4

Changing behaviour?

Answer 4

1. behaviours to be reinforced are decided upon and all that come in to contact must follow this
2. system is monitored by prison officials

Question 5

Hobbs and Holt

Answer 5

took the token economy system in delinquents in 3 behavioural units - observed a difference in positive behaviour compared to non-token group.

Question 6

Long term effects?

Answer 6

Fitzpatrick - showed how a token economy group showed more desirable behaviour in prison but recidivism rates after 3 years returned to those similar to national statistics.

Question 7

Easy to implement?

Answer 7

• don’t need expertise unlike anger management

- cost effective and easy to manage

Question 8

Little rehabilitative value?

Answer 8

• Blackburn suggested that the rehabilitative value and positive changes were lost when prisoners were released.

Question 9

Ethical issues?

Answer 9

• viewed as manipulative and dehumanising - all prisoners must take part in token economy system even if they want to opt out.