Token Economy in Maximum Security Prison
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Questions and Answers

What was the average grade level of the correctional officers, as determined by the Tests of Adult Basic Education?

  • 6.7 grades (correct)
  • 7.3 grades
  • 3.2 grades
  • 10.9 grades

What percentage of the correctional officers had lived in Alabama for at least half of their lives?

  • 65%
  • 100%
  • 35%
  • 90% (correct)

Besides the initial training, what kind of additional training was given to officers working in the cellblock?

  • Training in conflict resolution.
  • Training in basic medical procedures.
  • Advanced legal training.
  • Detailed instructions and modelling of expected behavior. (correct)

What system is used in this token economy project to manage the 'points' that the inmates can acquire?

<p>A simulated checkbook banking system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the first half of the token economy introduction, what was the mean percentage of morning activities completed?

<p>82.0% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the 24 hour day, how many hours was the token reinforcement system in effect during weekdays?

<p>7 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to the 60 Points Noncontingent1 condition, how did performance during the 60 Points Contingent1 condition compare?

<p>Significantly higher (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the level of performance in the latter half of the token economy condition compared to the first half?

<p>It significantly decreased (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a possible explanation for the lack of improved performance under the 90 Points Contingent condition?

<p>Ceiling effect due to already high performance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding of the program in Elmore, Alabama, regarding academic progress?

<p>Offenders averaged gains of 1.4 grades per 208 hours of instruction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of offenders enrolled in the Elmore program who qualified, earned their high school equivalencies?

<p>95% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to the pretoken economy baselines, how did the mean percentage of activities completed during the second half of the token economy condition compare?

<p>Not different (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of institution management do correctional administrators sometimes overemphasize according to the text?

<p>Meeting day-to-day operational requirements like meals and hygiene. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the research mentioned in the text?

<p>To assess the applicability of applied behavior analysis procedures to adult male felons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial focus of the research in applying behavior analysis for adult felons?

<p>Activities related to the institution's daily operation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the 90 Points Contingent condition, the mean percentage of activities completed was:

<p>Not different from the terminal level of performance under the 60 Points Contingent condition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In comparison to the 60 Points Noncontingent2 condition, the 60 Points Contingent2 condition resulted in:

<p>A statistically higher mean percentage of activity completion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key finding regarding the use of noncontingent 'incentives' as compared to contingent token reinforcement?

<p>Noncontingent incentives were no more effective than contingent praise alone and are less effective than contingent token reinforcement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that performance during the 60 Points Contingent condition compared to the preceding 60 Points Noncontingent condition was:

<p>Higher, and statistically significant. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study tracked individual performance. What did the records reveal about the consistency of performance across conditions?

<p>There was considerable variation in performance levels, with some inmates consistently high and others at more moderate levels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Contingency Management

A structured approach that uses rewards and consequences to change behavior. It's often used in education to improve student performance.

Token Economy

A program that helps inmates earn rewards for good behavior and academic progress in prison. It's a way to motivate them and promote positive change.

Remedial Academic Instruction

Teaching basic skills like reading and writing to help inmates improve their education level.

Vocational Skill Training

Training in practical job skills to help inmates find work after release.

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Evaluative Research

The process of using research to evaluate the effectiveness of a program or intervention.

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What is a token economy?

A system where individuals earn points for desired behaviors and can then exchange these points for rewards or privileges. These points are often used to motivate positive changes.

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What is applied behavior analysis?

The study of how reinforcement and consequences shape behavior. It's used to understand and change behaviors.

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What is remedial academic instruction?

A program where individuals receive individualized instruction tailored to their academic needs, often focusing on basic skills like reading and writing.

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What is vocational skill training?

Training that helps individuals acquire practical skills suitable for employment, such as carpentry or welding.

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What is evaluative research?

Evaluating the effectiveness of a program or intervention through research methods.

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Temporary effect of token economy

The introduction of a token economy initially improved performance but the effect was temporary, with performance levels dropping back down to baseline.

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Non-contingent token economy

Even though the non-contingent token economy didn't directly reward behavior, it still resulted in a higher level of performance compared to no token economy.

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Ceiling effect

The study observed that performance levels were already high before the contingent token economy was introduced, possibly making it difficult to see further improvement.

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Contingent token economy

The effectiveness of the token economy (reward for good behavior) was more significant and resulted in consistently high performance compared to other conditions.

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Zero points condition

The study compared the effect of providing tokens without any specific requirement to not providing any tokens at all.

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Token Economy System

A reward system where individuals earn points or tokens for completing desired behaviors, which can be exchanged for privileges or tangible goods.

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Noncontingent Rewards

The use of rewards that are not directly related to the desired behavior, such as giving points for simply being present, regardless of performance. This is different from contingent rewards, which are earned only after a specific action is completed.

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Reward Satiation

When the effectiveness of rewards decreases over time, even when the amount or quality of the reward remains the same.

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Generalized Reinforcement

The phenomenon where improvements in behavior are seen even when the specific reward is not contingent on performance. For example, showing improvement even when the same level of 'noncontingent' reward is offered.

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Contingent Rewards

Rewards directly tied to the completion of a specific desired action or behavior, often in the form of points or tokens.

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Study Notes

Token Economy in a Maximum Security Prison

  • Two experiments explored token reinforcement in a maximum-security prison for adult male felons
  • Experiment 1: Praise and token reinforcement more effective than praise alone or non-contingent tokens in four common prison activities
  • Experiment 2: High performance levels observed during token reinforcement possible without subjecting inmates to undue hardship
  • Client safeguards, daily activities, token economy, contingent versus non-contingent, prison inmates, adults, were key aspects of the study

Applied Behavior Analysis with Offenders

  • Applied behavior analysis (ABA) used with adult & juvenile offenders in institutional settings
  • The CASE project at the National Training School for Boys in Washington, D.C., aimed to improve academic skills and prepare youths for reintegration into society
  • Offenders' academic skills and IQs increased and positive attitudinal changes were observed
  • Recidivism rates were not different from comparable releasees

Correctional Center Procedures

  • Token economy system used for daily activities in a maximum-security prison
  • Inmates earned tokens for desired behaviors and exchanged them for backup reinforcers (e.g., leisure activities, canteen items)
  • Token procedures influenced the performance of institutional activities
  • Client safeguards discussed in depth

Experiment I: Method

  • 56 inmates from Draper Correctional Center, Alabama
  • Inmates were randomly assigned to either the token economy cellblock or to a control group
  • The token economy cellblock operated for 420 days
  • Key variable targeted included morning activities (arising, bed making, cleaning area, appearance), and earning points for positive behavior
  • Backup reinforcers and exchange procedures described

Experiment II: Method

  • Emphasis on the effect of the token economy on inmates' daily lives, excluding recreational and social activities
  • Observed behaviors through a checklist (58 items)
  • Conducted during three phases: Baseline1, Token Economy, and Baseline2
  • Staff observed and recorded inmate activities approximately every 45 minutes

Experiment Results

  • Token economies significantly improved performance of target behaviors (particularly morning routines)
  • Token reinforcement affected performance positively, with some variations among individuals
  • Performances were significantly improved before and after the token economy introduction
  • Results were positive for both experiments, but with some short term fluctuations in performance after the token economy phase

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Cellblock Token Economy PDF 1976 A maximum Security Correctional Institution

Description

Explore the effectiveness of token reinforcement in a maximum-security prison setting through two significant experiments. Discover how token economy, along with praise, influenced the behaviors and performance levels of inmates during various activities. Delve into the implications for applied behavior analysis in correctional environments.

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