Forensics - behaviour modification in custody

Question 1

behaviourist principles in relation to behaviour modification

Answer 1

born as blank slates and so all behaviour is learned. this means that all behaviour can also be unlearned

Question 2

what conditioning is behaviour modification based on

Answer 2

operant

Question 3

what is a token economy

Answer 3

desirable behaviour is rewarded by using a token, which can then be traded for rewards

Question 4

what is the secondary reinforcer in a token economy

Answer 4

tokens

Question 5

what is the primary reinforcer in a token economy

Answer 5

the reward. e.g. phone call, extra food, time in gym, etc.

Question 6

what are the three steps to design and use a token economy effectively

Answer 6

1. operationalise target behaviours. 2. make everyone aware of how many tokens a behaviour is worth - they are hierarchical. 3. training staff and standardising procedures

Question 7

what is a conjugal visit

Answer 7

scheduled period where prison inmate is permitted to spend several hours in private with visitor (usually spouse)

Question 8

where are conjugal visits allowed

Answer 8

not the UK, 4 states in US and some other countries

Question 9

what is the point of a conjugal visit

Answer 9

preserve family bonds and increase chances of success for a prisoner after release. also acts as primary reinforcer

Question 10

strengths of token economies in prisons

Answer 10

+ TEs are associated with decreased levels of conflict
+ easy to implement and low cost as there is no need for a specialist professional
+ Field (2004) -> generally effective. can be adapted to appeal to prisoners who desire more immediate gratification
+ Hobbs and Holt (1972) introduced a TE in a young offenders institute. desired behaviours increased from 66% to 91%

Question 11

limitations of token economies in prisons

Answer 11

• Basset and Blanchard found it needs to be consistent, otherwise effects are lost
• may not affect long-term behaviour (Blackburn) -> low rehabilitative value
• cognitive treatments e.g. anger management more effective long-term?
• Cohen and Filipczak -> offenders who took part in TE less likely to reoffend two years later but after three years, recidivism rates raised to average again
• unethical and dehumanising - basic human rights should not be a privilege
• success depends on who’s viewpoint we see it from. prisoners = manipulative. staff = successful