Behaviour modification

• Learn and unlearn

  • Behaviourist approach - all behaviour is learnt and can be unlearnt
  • Behaviour modification programmes reinforce obedient behaviour and punish disobedience
  • Reinforcement and punishment
• Token economy


  • Operant conditioning - reinforced with tokens
  • E.g. avoiding confrontation, following rules
  • Tokens may be removed - punishment
• Tokens are secondary reinforcers


  • Tokens aren't rewarding in themselves but may be exchanged for something desirable
  • E.g. a phone call, time in the gym
  • Their value is learned through association with primary reinforcers
• Operationalising


  • Breaking behaviour down into components
  • E.g. speaking politely, not touching others
  • Each unit should be objective, measurable and agreed upon in advance
• Scoring system


  • Guards and prisoners should be made aware of values of behaviour
  • Some behaviours are worth more than others
  • Reinforcements should outnumber punishments by 4:1 - Gendreau et al.
• Training


  • Prison staff receive full training
  • Aim to standardise procedure - all staff reward the same behaviours
  • Keep record of what tokens are awarded so progress can be individually assessed