Behaviour Modification in Custody (AQA A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes
Behaviour Modification in Custody
What is behaviour modification in custody?
Behaviour modification in custody is an intervention approach grounded in operant conditioning principles. This method aims to replace criminal behaviours with more socially acceptable ones by using systematic reinforcement strategies within prison environments.
The approach operates on the fundamental premise that behaviour can be shaped through consequences. Desirable behaviours are increased through positive reinforcement, whilst undesirable behaviours are decreased through negative reinforcement and punishment techniques.
The success of behaviour modification programmes depends heavily on the controlled environment of custodial settings, where reinforcement schedules can be consistently applied and monitored.
Token economy systems
In custodial settings, behaviour modification typically operates through token economy programmes. Within these controlled prison environments, reinforcement schedules can be carefully implemented with limited reward options available.
When prisoners demonstrate good behaviour, they 'earn' tokens which function as secondary reinforcers. These tokens can subsequently be exchanged for desirable goods such as cigarettes, food, or other privileges. This system was originally developed for use with mentally ill patients in the 1960s before being adapted for prisoner rehabilitation.
The programme essentially applies positive reinforcement principles to encourage continuation of appropriate behaviour whilst reducing undesirable conduct through systematic reward withdrawal.
Negative reinforcement component
Token systems also incorporate negative reinforcement through the threat of token removal when prisoners engage in inappropriate behaviour. This combination of gaining tokens for good behaviour and losing them for poor behaviour creates a powerful behavioural modification tool.
The immediate consequence system allows for consistent application of operant conditioning principles within the institutional environment.
The dual approach of both gaining and losing tokens mirrors real-world consequences, where actions have both positive and negative outcomes depending on the behaviour demonstrated.
Research evidence
Rice (1990)
Research Study: Maximum Security Token Economy
- Participants: 92 prisoners in a maximum-security psychiatric hospital
- Aim: To examine outcomes from a token economy programme
- Findings: The programme proved effective for individuals whilst in the institution, but showed no influence on offender outcomes once released
- Conclusions: Suggests the approach works only for certain individuals and only in the short term, with no rehabilitative benefits post-release
Reppucci & Saunders (1974)
Research Study: Implementation Challenges
- Findings: Whilst behaviour management programmes should theoretically be straightforward to implement, they proved difficult in practice
- Issues identified: Institutional pressures, limited resources, and staff inconsistency undermined programme effectiveness
- Impact: Rule adaptations weakened the programme's overall impact
Hobbs & Tyllon (1976)
Research Study: Comparative Institutional Analysis
- Design: Compared three young offender institutions - one with behaviour modification programme versus one without
- Findings: The institution with the behaviour modification programme showed reduced undesirable behaviour compared to the control institution
- Significance: Demonstrates short-term benefits of behaviour modification within institutional settings
Evaluation
Strengths
Short-term effectiveness: Research demonstrates that behaviour modification programmes can successfully reduce problematic behaviour within institutional settings. The controlled prison environment allows for consistent application of reinforcement schedules.
Cost-effective implementation: These programmes require minimal training or expense to implement within institutions. This makes them one of the more economical intervention options available, and easier to introduce compared to other therapeutic interventions like anger management programmes.
Immediate behavioural control: The token system provides an effective method for managing day-to-day behaviour within custodial environments, creating more manageable institutional conditions.
Weaknesses
Limited transfer to real world: The primary limitation is the lack of evidence for effectiveness once offenders leave the institution. The highly controlled prison environment does not replicate real-world conditions, limiting the programme's rehabilitative value.
Timing of reinforcement: Effective operant conditioning requires immediate administration of rewards and punishments, which is not possible in post-release environments. This temporal delay undermines the conditioning principles upon which the approach is based.
Ethical concerns: Behaviour modification programmes face criticism for potentially contravening human rights. The withholding of basic privileges (such as family visits) as part of the reinforcement system raises questions about acceptable treatment within civilised society.
Institutional dependency: The artificial nature of the token economy may create behaviours that are entirely dependent on the institutional reward system, failing to develop intrinsic motivation for behavioural change.
Key Points to Remember:
- Behaviour modification in custody uses operant conditioning principles to shape prisoner behaviour through token economy systems
- Positive reinforcement (earning tokens) and negative reinforcement (losing tokens) are combined to modify behaviour
- Research shows short-term effectiveness within institutions but limited transfer to post-release behaviour
- The approach is cost-effective and easy to implement but faces ethical concerns about human rights
- The controlled prison environment makes immediate reinforcement possible but limits real-world application of learned behaviours