Behaviour modification

• Behaviour modification works on the behaviourist assumption that all behaviour is learned and unlearned through conditioning
• Using operant conditioning behaviour modification programmes can be designed to reinforce obedient behaviour and punish disobedience in prisons
• a Token economy is designed to reward desirable behaviour in prisons by giving tokens that can be traded for a primary positive reinforcement such as a phone call home
• Target behaviours are the actions prisoners carry out that are seen as deserving of reward or tokens
• target behaviours should be operationalised to ensure all prison staff reward and punish behaviour objectively and consistently
• Target behaviours should work on a scoring system so prisoners know what specific behaviours are worth
• Within the token economy rewards should outweigh punishments at a 4:1 ratio
• Strength; Cohen and Filipzak (1971) found token economy groups showed more desirable behaviours than control groups and were less likely to reoffend after 2 years HOWEVER after 3 years recidivism rates returned to reflecting the national average
• Strength; Hobbs and Holt (1976) found that across 3 behavioural units that used a token economy there was greater positive behaviour than within a control group
• Weakness; Bassett and Blanchard (1977) found that when applied inconsistently the benefits of a token economy were slim to none meaning staff must go through expensive and time consuming training to ensure the token economy is applied effectively
• Weakness; Moya and Actenbary (1974) claim the token economy is unethical as it manipulates prisoners into acting in a certain way which they cannot consent to
• Weakness; Blackburn (1993) claims claims the token economy has little rehabilitative value as it rewards offenders instead of punishing them