Behaviour modification

• Behaviour modification uses the principles of operant conditioning to alter behaviour in institutions. Aim is to replace undesirable behaviours with more desirable ones through the use of positive and negative reinforcement. An example would be token economy
• Token economy - Involves reinforcing desirable behaviour with a token which can be exchanged for some sort of reward. Tokens are a secondary reinforcement as they are not rewarding themselves but are reinforcing as they can be used to buy a reward. Eg: Good behaviour could lead to a token, which could pay for extra free time
• Token economy programme ensures that rules and rewards are made clear to the prisoners and all prison staff should be aware of the behaviours that are rewarded so it is consistent. It is also clear that failure to obey any rules will result in the removal of a token(punishment)
• +Research evidence


  Hobbs and Holt introduced a group of young offenders across 3 units into a token economy programme. Observed a significant difference in positive behaviour compared to a control, suggesting token economies are an effective way at modifying behaviour
• +Easy to implement


  No need for any specialist training that sets it up compared to other programmes such as anger management. TE can be installed and implemented by anyone. There are cost effective and once workable methods or reinforcement have been established they are easy to follow, suggesting that the technique can be established into most prisons easily
• -Little rehabilitative value


  Blackburn suggested that the token economies have little rehabilitative value and any positive behaviours in prison may quickly be lost upon release. Other cognitive programmes such as anger management are likely to have a longer lasting effect as the offender has to understand and take responsibility for their actions. Therefore it may explain why after token economy is discontinued, offenders may quickly regress
• -Ethical issues


  Although behaviour modification programmes are associated with decreased conflicts with penal institutions, and a more successful management of prison population, critics have described it as dehumanising and manipulative. Participation is obligatory and not optional. Human right campaigners argue that removal of exercise and contact with loved ones are unethical, so behaviour modification brings about issues