Lesson 10: Behaviour Modification

Question 1

How can we apply the behavioural approach to offending?

Answer 1

If all human behaviour is learned, then behaviour can be unlearned. This should be achievable using the same principles that were used to unlearn the behaviour in the first place

Question 2

What are behaviour modifications?

Answer 2

• A behavioural therapy based on principles of operant conditioning.
• Involves the systematic use of positive and negative reinforcement for desired behaviours

Question 3

What is Token Economy?

Answer 3

• Form of behaviour modification
• Desirable behaviour = token = reward
• Desirable behaviours ex: avoid conflict + following prison rules
• Tokens are secondary reinforcers as they can be exchanged for rewards (primary reinforcer)
• Rewards may vary ex: Phone call, gym time
• Desirable behaviour + rewards are made clear to prisoners before they start the programme.
• It is emphasised that disobedience results in tokens being withheld

Question 4

What is needed for token economy to work?

Answer 4

• Desirable behaviour must be identified and broken down into smaller steps (increments)
• Everyone who comes into contact with the offender must follow the same regime of selective reinforcement. Particular prisoners are rewarded for particular actions.
• The whole program is overseen by a prison official who monitors the program’s effectiveness on management of the prison and the behaviour of the individual offenders

Question 5

Evaluation (+)

Answer 5

• Easy to administer, does not require professionals. Can be implemented by anyone. Very cost effective and easy to follow

Question 6

Evaluation (-)

Answer 6

• Doesn’t work if staff are inconsistent. Lack of appropriate training or high staff turnover make consistency problematic
• Behaviour modification can only be used in a controlled environment. Any positive behavioural changes are lost when the prisoner is released as law-abiding behaviour is not reinforced on the outside, but the results from breaking the law are powerful. Offenders may only play along with the scheme to rewards and not learning to change behaviour.
• Only deals with surface behaviour: other treatments go deeper to find the root of offending and take responsibility for rehabilitation
• It can be unethical: some prisons have obligatory participation. If offender breaks the rules, the withdrawal of privileges can be physically and psychologically harmful