Behaviour Modification - Individualistic Policies

Question 1

What is behaviour modification?

Answer 1

A behaviourist technique which focuses on promoting desirable behaviours and extinguishing undesirable behaviours.

Question 2

What is opérate learning?

Answer 2

A behaviourist theory that states criminal behaviour is learned through reinforcement and punishment.

Question 3

What is a token economy?

Answer 3

A behaviour modification programme that is used in some prisons where a token is given to a desired action which is later exchanged for a treat/ reward.

Question 4

What is opérate conditioning?

Answer 4

The idea that you can increase or decrease a behaviour based on consequences.

Question 6

What theory influenced the use of token economies in prisons?

Answer 6

Banderas social learning theory.

Question 7

State the key point of banduras theory.

Answer 7

A persons behaviour is learned through observation of punishments and rewards.

Question 8

How do token economies work?

Answer 8

• The prison draws up a list of desirable behaviours.
• When the offender behaves in a desired way, they earn a token.
• The token can then be exchanged for rewards.

Question 9

What do token economies aim to do?

Answer 9

Increase the likelihood of the more desirable behaviours occurring over the undesirable ones , which may permanently impact the individuals behaviour in the future.

Question 10

Three strengths of token economies.

Answer 10

• Offenders under this programme usually take longer to re-offend than normal.
• Improves behaviour of more serious offenders.
• Makes prisons more manageable.

Question 11

Three weaknesses of token economies.

Answer 11

• When the reinforcements stop, so does the good behaviour. Essentially no long term impact.
• Usually has a weaker impact on less serious offenders.
• Food has been withheld in some cases (unethical)