Lesson 10: Behaviour Modification

Question 1

Behaviourist approach

Answer 1

• Idea that all human behaviour is learned therefore 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

Behaviour Modification

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Token economy

Answer 3

• Form of behaviour modification used in prisons. 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. token are secondary reinforcers because they can be exchanged for a reward. 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. The desirable behaviour and available rewards are made clear to the prisoners before they start the programme. It is also emphasised that non-compliance or disobedience will result in the tokens being withheld (negative punishment). The desirable behaviour is identified and then broken down into smaller steps, called increments. All those who come into contact with the offenders, must follow the same regime of selective reinforcement. The whole programme is overseen by a prison official who is able to monitor the programme’s effectiveness on the management of the prison as a whole as well as individual behaviour.

Question 4

Strength of behaviour modification

Answer 4

+ 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 5

Weaknesses of behaviour modification (1)

Answer 5

• Token economy doesn’t work if staff are not consistent. Sometimes lack of appropriate training or high staff turnover make consistency problematic.

Question 6

Weaknesses of behaviour modification (2)

Answer 6

• 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 becayse law-abiding behaviour is not always reinforced on the outside. It could also be because offenders are merely playing along for rewards.

Question 7

Weaknesses of behaviour modification (3)

Answer 7

• Critics of token economy suggest 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.

Question 8

Weaknesses of behaviour modification (4)

Answer 8

• only deals with surface behaviour. Other treatments go deeper and require offenders to reflect on the cause of their offending and take responsibility for their rehabilitation.