BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES - NEW TOOLS FOR PROBATION OFFICERS

• NCJ Number: 6040
• Journal: Federal Probation Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1967) Pages: 21-27
• Author(s): G L THORNE; R G THARP
• Date Published: 1967
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: Administrative Office of the United States Courts
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

POTENTIAL USES OF OPERANT CONDITIONING, WHICH IS BASED ON SCHEDULES OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT, FOR REHABILITATING JUVENILE DELINQUENTS ON PROBATION.

Abstract

THE USEFULNESS OF OPERANT CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES IS DEMONSTRATED BY CASE STUDIES OF DELINQUENTS WHO WERE HANDLED BY THE BEHAVIOR RESEARCH PROJECT OF THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA MENTAL HEALTH CENTER. PROJECT STAFF MEMBERS OBTAINED AID FROM PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN PLANNING REINFORCEMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELINQUENTS. THESE TECHNIQUES PROVED HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR AND REQUIRED ONLY A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF STAFF SUPERVISION.