What is behaviour modification in custody?
The use of learning principles to increase desirable behaviour and reduce undesirable behaviour among offenders within a custodial institution.
Which type of conditioning mainly underpins token economies?
Operant conditioning.
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding a desirable consequence after behaviour so that the behaviour becomes more likely to happen again.
What is a token economy?
A system where target behaviours earn tokens that can be exchanged for rewards or privileges.
Why are tokens secondary reinforcers?
Tokens gain their value through learned association with the rewards for which they can be exchanged.
What is shaping?
Reinforcing successive steps that gradually move an offender towards the desired target behaviour.
What was the sample in Hobbs and Holt (1976)?
125 adolescent males living in four cottages within a state correctional institution.
What did Hobbs and Holt (1976) conclude?
Token reinforcement could increase appropriate behaviour among young offenders in custody.
What is a major limitation of token economies after release?
Behaviour may not generalise because the reinforcement system is no longer available.
What ethical problem can occur with token economies?
Token systems may become coercive or unfair if important rights or essential needs are treated as rewards that offenders must earn.