Behaviour modification:

• AO3:

  STRENGTH:

  • evidence to support it
  • Hobbs and Holts 1976 introduced a token enconomy to a group of young offenders across three behaviours a fourth unit as a control
  • observed a significant positive difference when compared to a non-token economy grouo
  • Fields et al 2004 found that introducing a token economy to children who had behaviour troubles was generally positive but some did not respond to it
  • After the children were placed into a special treatment in which the rewards were more immediate and the behaviour was even more positive
  • suggests that token economy's do work
• COUNTERPOINT:

  • However, the success of such systems does depend on a consistent approach from prison staff
  • Bassett and Blanchard found any benefits were lost if staff applied the techniques inconsistently
  • According to the researchers, this was due to factors such as lack of appropriate staff training or high staff turnover

  This suggests that behaviour modification schemes must ensure full and consistent staff participation if they are to work
• STRENGTHS:

  • Relatively straightforward to set up in custody
  • The appeal of behaviour modification rests largely upon the ease with which it can be administered
  • There is no need for a specialist professional to be involved as there would be for other forms of treatment ie anger management
  • Token economy systems can be designed and implemented by virtually anyone in any institution
  • They are also cost-effective and easy to follow once workable methods of reinforcement have been established.

  can be established in most prisons and accessed by most prisoners