AO3: OC and schizophrenia(Paul and Lentz 1977)

• aim: to investigate the effectiveness of operant conditioning by reinforcing appropriate behaviour in schizophrenic patients in a psychiatric hospital ward
• The patients were given tokens each time they behaved appropriately
• These tokens could be used to purchase small luxury items such as cigarettes
• The patients also receive individual behavioural treatments tailored to suit their needs
• Both positive and negative symptoms were reduced leading to more hospital discharges when compared to a control group
• Only 11% patients needed drug treatment compared to 100% of the control group
• Conclusion- operant conditioning can be an effective means of improving behaviour in people with chronic schizophrenia