Operant Learning and Token Economics

• • Criminal Behaviour is learned through reinforcement and punishments. It has been applied to offenders via token economics, where prisoners are rewarded for good behaviour.

  Crime Control:

  • Create a list of desirable behaviour, give tokens when offenders behave in line with their list, inmates then exchange tokens for rewards of their choice, the positive reinforcement leads to better behaviour
• Effectiveness:

  • Some signs of improvements
  • Once inmates leave prison, new behaviours do not last long
  • Return to crime is slower than those inmates not having token economics
  • Inmates are more manageable in prison