Behaviour Modification

• What is it?

  • Token Economy Programmes are used to obtain desirable behaviour in closed institutions
  • a system of rewards for desired behaviour and punishments for undesired behaviour
• What theory informs the policy?

  • Bandura: Social Learning Theory
• Arguments For

  • rewards desirable behaviour immediately, which is the most effective way to ensure the behaviour is repeated
  • supports Bandura's social learning theory
• Arguments Against

  • can be abused by staff who can use the tokens and their authority to manipulate the a prisoner's behaviour
• Does is Work?

  • evidence to state it as an effective means of managing behaviour
  • recidivism may increase when leaving prison as the token economy programme doesn't rehabilitate people