Is the Use of a ‘Raffle’ in Childhood Behaviour Modification Ethical? A reply to Roderick et al

Summary

This article responds to a recent study in Educational Psychology in Practice by Roderick et al (1997) who used a ‘raffle’ to modify children's aggressive behaviour. This article argues that such a method relies on a ‘gambling pre‐cursor’ and as such may pose some ethical problems. Relevant literature on childhood and adolescent gambling is outlined before a more detailed examination of two ‘gambling pre‐cursors’ (marbles and card flipping). The article then discusses the use of a form of gambling by Roderick et al (ie a raffle) in reducing children's aggressive behaviour and whether this is ethical given the problems which surround child and adolescent gambling.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark Griffiths

Dr Mark Griffiths is a Senior Lecturer