behavioural modification

• What is behavioural modification (BM)?


  BM is a method used in rehabilitation that works around the principles of behaviourism.
• What principle does behavioural modification primarily rely on?

  Behavioural modification primarily relies on operant conditioning.
• What is the goal of behavioural modification?

  The goal is to increase desirable behaviours and decrease undesirable behaviours.
• What are examples of desirable behaviours in behavioural modification?

  Examples include clean cells and avoiding conflict.
• What are examples of undesirable behaviours in behavioural modification?


  Examples include aggressive acts and disobedience.
• How can behavioural modification be achieved?

  It can be achieved using positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, or punishment.
• What is a token economy system in the context of behavioural modification?

  A token economy system is a system where tokens are earned for good behaviour and can be exchanged for desirable goods or privileges.
• What did Hobbs and Holt (1976) find regarding behaviour modification programmes in young offenders’ institutions?

  They significantly reduced the amount of undesirable behaviour within the institution.
• What does the study by Hobbs and Holt (1976) suggest about the short-term benefits of behaviour modification?


  It shows that behaviour modification can have short-term benefits in reducing undesirable behaviour.
• What limitation is noted regarding the effectiveness of behaviour modification after offenders leave the institution?

  There is little evidence to suggest they work once the rewards are no longer available.
• What is a significant limitation of behaviour modification programmes according to the study material?

  They have limited rehabilitative effects once the offender has left the institution.
• What ethical criticism is associated with behaviour modification programmes?

  They contravene human rights by withholding privileges like visits from relatives or exercise access.
• What is the opposing argument regarding the ethical criticism of behaviour modification programmes?

  Prisoners have lost the right to privileges due to their lack of moral/ethical code.
• What is one advantage of behaviour modification programmes in institutions?

  They require little training or expense to run effectively.
• Why is behaviour modification considered cost-effective and straightforward?

  It is easy to introduce as staff do not need to be skilled to administer it.
• What factor can negatively impact the success rates of behaviour modification systems according to research by Bassett?

  High staff turnover or lack of training.
• What is a major criticism of behaviour modification in terms of prisoner motivation?

  It trains prisoners to behave for personal gain or to avoid personal loss.
• How does behaviour modification compare to methods such as restorative justice?

  Restorative justice attempts to intrinsically motivate prisoners by showing them the impact of their actions on their victims.
• What is likely to have greater long-term effects than basic token economies?

  Treatments that focus on intrinsic motivation and work at a deep and powerful level.
• What are the key points regarding the effectiveness and limitations of behaviour modification programmes?

  • Short-term benefits in reducing undesirable behaviour.
  • Limited effectiveness after offenders leave the institution.
  • Ethical concerns regarding human rights violations.
  • Cost-effective and easy to implement.
  • Success depends on consistent application by all staff.
  • Criticized for promoting surface-level behaviour change.
  • Intrinsic motivation methods may yield better long-term results.