dealing with offending : behaviour modification

Question 1

what is token economy?

Answer 1

• tokens given when show desirable behaviour
• exchange tokens for rewards

Question 2

how did prisons design and implement token economy?

Answer 2

1. operationalise behaviour = break down behaviour into parts
2. devise scoring system = decide how much a behaviour is ‘worth’ (hierarchy)
3. staff is trained to implement programme = make sure they give reinforcers for the same behaviour

Question 3

strength of behaviour modification (research)

Answer 3

hobbs and holt put token economy into 3 behavioral systems with young offenders and a 4th control
- 3 units had increase in desirable behaviour than the 4th
- effective

Question 4

strength of behaviour modification (easy)

Answer 4

easy to implement
- training needed but no specialists

Question 5

limitation of behaviour modification (ethics)

Answer 5

rewarded so must be deprived first
- take away human rights

Question 6

limitation of behaviour modification (go along)

Answer 6

could be ‘playing along’ but still hold deviant views
- little value