I worry that you believe that all problems can be solved with positive reinforcement. I don't believe that all problems necessarily can be solved this way, but I would agree that it should always be the first method tried.
I agree with you that use of the system for minor infringements as you suggest is not suitable.
The example given in the story of the girl called Samantha was reportedly a lot happier with the treatment; that some students even want to wear the devices because they see the improvements their fellow students make and the subsequent rewards for good behaviour.
I think that's a point to consider as well - the shock is only a way to punish undesireable behaviour in a controlled way with the minimum of negative attention. It is only a part of the process - the whole process combines rewards for good behaviour.
Cattle already are contained by electric fences that administer shocks for touching the boundaries of their fields. There are cattle prods too, although I don't know if/how they are in wide use anymore. They are certainly less rigorously monitored than this situation in any case.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2006-10-12 11:30 am (UTC)I agree with you that use of the system for minor infringements as you suggest is not suitable.
The example given in the story of the girl called Samantha was reportedly a lot happier with the treatment; that some students even want to wear the devices because they see the improvements their fellow students make and the subsequent rewards for good behaviour.
I think that's a point to consider as well - the shock is only a way to punish undesireable behaviour in a controlled way with the minimum of negative attention. It is only a part of the process - the whole process combines rewards for good behaviour.
Cattle already are contained by electric fences that administer shocks for touching the boundaries of their fields. There are cattle prods too, although I don't know if/how they are in wide use anymore. They are certainly less rigorously monitored than this situation in any case.