FP- Behaviour Modification

Question 1

How does behaviour modification perceive the behaviourist approach?

Answer 1

• If we accept the argument put forward by the behaviourist approach–that all human behaviour is learned –then it stands to reason that behaviour can be unlearned.
• This should be achievable using the same principles that were used to learn the behaviour in the first place

Question 2

What is behaviour modification?

Answer 2

• Behaviour modification is a behavioural therapy based on principles of operant conditioning.
• It involves the systematic use of positive and negative reinforcement for desired behaviours

Question 3

What is token economy?

Answer 3

Token economy is a form of behaviour modification used in prisons

Question 4

How does token economy work?

Answer 4

• Desirable behaviour is reinforced with a token, which can be exchanged for some form of reward.
• Desirable behaviour in prison is likely to include avoiding conflict, following prison rules, keeping your cell orderly etc.

Question 5

Why are tokens seen as SECONDARY REINFORCERS?

Answer 5

• Tokens are secondary reinforcers because they can be exchanged for a reward (the primary reinforcers).
• The rewards that tokens can be exchanged for vary from prison to prison, they may include a phone call to a loved one, time in the gym, access to a computer, extra cigarettes, or extra food.

Question 6

How is negative punishment used in token economy?

Answer 6

It is emphasised that non-compliance or disobedience will result in the tokens being withheld

Question 7

How are increments used in behavioural modification?

Answer 7

• The desirable behaviour is identified and then broken down into smaller steps called increments.
• All those who come into contact with the offender must follow the same regime of selective reinforcement,a particular prisoner is rewarded for particular actions.

Question 8

Evaluate behaviour modification. (ADVANTAGES)

Answer 8

1) Token economy is easy to administer, it does not require expert professionals or specialised equipment.
- Rather, it can be implemented by virtually anyone in the prison.
- Token economy is also cost-effective and easy to follow once the method of reinforcement has been established.

Question 9

Evaluate behaviour modification. (DISADVANTAGES)

Answer 9

1) -Behaviour modification can only be used in controlled environment.
- Any positive behavioural change that occurs while the prisoner is incarcerated are quickly lost once the prisoner is released.
- This is because law-abiding behaviour is not always reinforced on the outside and the rewards that result from breaking the law may be powerful.
- It could also be because offenders are merely ‘playing along’ with the scheme to get the rewards, and not really learning to change their behaviour.

2) Critics of token economy have suggested that it is unethical.
- In some prisons participation in the scheme is obligatory.
- Although ultimately the offender can decide whether or not to obey the rules or break them, the withdrawal of privileges such as exercise and contact with loved ones can be physically and psychologically harmful.

3) Behaviour modification only deals with surface behaviour.
- Other treatments, such as CBT, go deeper and require offenders to reflect on the cause of their offending and take responsibility for their rehabilitation.