Lesson 10: Behaviour Modification

Question 1

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

Behaviour Modification - Token Economy

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

Token Economy

Answer 3

Token economy is a 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. 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. 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).

As with all behaviour modification programmes, the desirable behaviour is identified (e.g. avoiding conflict) 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. 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 on the behaviour of individual offenders.

Question 4

Advantages 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

Disadvantages of Behaviour Modification

Answer 5

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