BEHAVIOR-MODIFICATION IN PRISONS AND THE EXPERIMENTAL SYNTHESIS OF BEHAVIOR

The problems associated with aggression and violence are presented, wi th emphasis on the contributions of psychology to the understanding an d modification of criminal behavior. The psychological approach is cen tered on the personal causes of crime and delinquency, and in the use of psychological methods instead of traditional correctional methods. The need for a comprehensive theory of crime, delinquency, violence, a ggression and related topics, is pointed out. Present-day theories (so ciological, biological, psychological, and sociopsychological) are sho wn to be incomplete. On the other hand, the experimental synthesis of behavior presents a scientific theory in which biological, psychologic al, social, and cultural factors are integrated. The advantages of the experimental synthesis of behavior for the study and modification of criminal behavior is presented. Its role as a comprehensive theory, an d as a guide for rehabilitation programs, is pointed out.