Management: Token Economy Systems

Question 1

What are token economy systems?

Answer 1

A management to SZ which aims to improve patients engagement in daily activities.

Question 2

How do token economy systems work?

Answer 2

Patients are given tokens (primary reinforcers) for desirable behaviours and these can later be swapped for rewards (secondary reinforcers).

Question 3

What are primary reinforcers?

Answer 3

Tokens

Question 4

What are secondary reinforcers?

Answer 4

Actual rewards e.g watching TV.

Question 5

What are token economy systems based on?

Answer 5

Operant conditioning.

Question 6

What are 2 weaknesses of token economy systems?

Answer 6

1. Possible ethical issues.
   Systems may take away basic human rights and make patients work hard for them.
   Shows basic necessities may be masked as ‘rewards’.
2. May only work in hospital setting.
   When patients go home, it is unlikely they’ll still perform desirable behaviours as there are no secondary reinforcers to motivate them.

Question 7

What is one strength of token economy systems?

Answer 7

1. Research support.
   11/13 studies reported positive effects of token economy systems.
   Shows system actually reinforces desirable behaviours.