Define operant conditioning and how the concept relates to criminality.
What will be an ideal response?
Operant conditioning describes the process of reinforcement of behavior with rewards and punishments. Early examples such as B. F. Skinner’s experiment with rats demonstrated how easy it is to use rewards to condition behavior. Children who receive a piece of candy or money for performing a chore will hypothetically continue to perform the positive behavior. If a response to an act is pleasurable (positive reinforcement) or removes a painful experience (negative reinforcement), the act will be repeated in the future. In addition, if children perceive that a person exhibiting a certain behavior is not punished for it, they may decide that it is appropriate behavior. For instance, if Batman physically assaults the bad guys and receives adoration from the citizens of Gotham, then a child may believe it is acceptable to hit someone on the playground.
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Because persons engaging in criminal activity are also more likely to engage in behavior placing them at risk for HIV and other communicable diseases, a disproportionate number of HIV-positive persons are in correctional facilities
a. True b. False
Which of the following is central to the cumulative risk model?
A) Socioeconomic status B) The past criminal behavior of the primary caregiver C) Family size D) The number of risk factors
Even if a police officer is acting in the interests of public safety, he or she must obtain a warrant before searching an area
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
A movement to ensure that correctional programs and policies are based on research evidence about "what works" is known as ___________________ corrections
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word