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Questions and Answers

What is a token economy?

A reinforcement system in which conditioned reinforcers called tokens are delivered to people for desirable behaviors, which are later exchanged for backup reinforcers.

What are the purposes of a token economy? (Select all that apply)

To strengthen clients' desirable behaviors that occur too infrequently (correct)

To increase undesirable behaviors

To maintain previously changed behaviors (correct)

To teach clients the use of token exchange in the 'real world' (correct)

The appropriate use of token economies involves groups or ______ individuals.

single

What is an inappropriate use of token economies?

When behavior is impossible or when rewarding behaviors that are already under intrinsic motivation. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of reinforcers with their descriptions:

Primary reinforcer = Unconditioned and unlearned, e.g., food Secondary reinforcer = Conditioned; learn the value of the token over time Signup and view all the answers

What is a token?

Something delivered to a person immediately after a desirable behavior, which can be accumulated and later exchanged for backup reinforcers. Signup and view all the answers

What qualities should tokens have?

Tokens should be tangible, practical, convenient, accumulatable, and not available from any source other than the change agent. Signup and view all the answers

What is a backup reinforcer?

Reinforcers used in a token economy that the client exchanges tokens for after demonstrating desirable behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the token become through pairing with reinforcers?

A conditioned reinforcer that strengthens the desirable behavior it follows. Signup and view all the answers

The first step in implementing a token economy is defining the desirable ______ to be strengthened.

target behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when determining the schedule of reinforcement?

More important or difficult behaviors receive more tokens than those that are less important or less difficult. Signup and view all the answers

What is response cost?

A negative punishment procedure where a specified amount of a reinforcer is removed contingent on a behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Benefits of response costs include directly addressing problem behavior and being easy to ______.

implement Signup and view all the answers

What are some disadvantages of response costs? (Select all that apply)

Individual may lose so many tokens that earning enough becomes impossible Signup and view all the answers

When should a response cost be implemented?

After the token economy has been in place for a period of time and only if the change agent can get the tokens back. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Token Economy Overview

A token economy is a reinforcement system using conditioned reinforcers (tokens) for positive behaviors, which can be exchanged for backup reinforcers.

Purpose of a Token Economy

Strengthen infrequent desirable behaviors and reduce undesirable ones in structured settings.
Maintain previously modified behaviors.
Teach token exchange concepts relatable to real-life scenarios.
Educate parents and teachers on systematically recognizing and rewarding positive behaviors.
Can serve as a fun activity for participants.

Appropriate Usage

Suitable for both individuals and groups.
Primarily aimed at changing existing behaviors that are infrequent rather than introducing new ones.
Can be adapted to develop new behaviors through techniques like shaping, prompting, and Behavioral Skills Training (BST).

Inappropriate Usage

Not effective for behaviors that are unattainable.
Should not reinforce behaviors already motivated by intrinsic factors (e.g., reading enjoyment).

Types of Reinforcers

Primary reinforcers are unconditioned and include basic needs (e.g., food).
Secondary reinforcers are conditioned, such as tokens, which gain value through association.

Token Characteristics

Tokens must be tangible and delivered immediately after desired behavior.
They should be practical and easy to carry.
Only the change agent should provide the tokens to maintain control.

Backup Reinforcers

Essential for a token economy's effectiveness, these are goods or privileges that can be purchased with tokens.
Clients receive tokens for positive behaviors, creating motivation to continue those behaviors.

Token's Role

Tokens serve as conditioned reinforcers, enhancing the frequency of the desired behaviors when paired with backup reinforcers.

Essential Steps in Implementation

Define target behaviors that need reinforcement.
Select the tokens to be used alongside identifying backup reinforcers.
Establish reinforcement schedules and the conversion rate of tokens to backup reinforcers.
Set the exchange procedure for tokens and determine if response costs will be implemented.
Plan for generalization of the learned behaviors.

Reinforcement Schedule

More significant or challenging behaviors receive a higher token reward initially.
Transition from continuous to intermittent reinforcement schedules, like fixed ratio (FR) or variable ratio (VR), as behaviors stabilize.

Response Cost

A negative punishment strategy where tokens are removed as a consequence of undesirable behavior.
Should focus on identified undesirable behaviors and specify how many tokens they result in losing.

Advantages of Response Costs

Directly targets unwanted behaviors for modification.
Implementation is straightforward.

Disadvantages of Response Costs

Risks inducing other problematic behaviors.
A participant may lose so many tokens that they can no longer earn reinforcing rewards, diminishing their motivation.