Token Economies

Question 1

what is a token economy?

Answer 1

a system using tokens as immediate and delayed reinforcement to modify behaviors

Question 2

what is the usage of token economies?

Answer 2

effective in individual and group settings

Question 3

what is the basic principle of a token economy?

Answer 3

tokens reinforce desired behavior and can later be exchanged for rewards

Question 4

what are the key factors of a token economy?

Answer 4

1. Reinforcer must be liked by the learner
2. available only after the targeted behavior
3. delivered immediately after behavior
4. should vary to prevent boredom (avoid satiation)
5. must not be harmful to learners’ health or safety

Question 5

what is the token reinforcer system?

Answer 5

1. Displayed behavior target for increase
2. Receive token as reinforcement
3. Collect tokens over time
4. Exchanged tokens for backup reinforcers

Question 6

provide an example of a token economy in practice

Answer 6

1. Keep your hands and feet to yourself
2. The teacher gives stickers(tokens) when rule is followed
   3.Reinforcer menu available for students to choose from

Question 7

token systems help:

Answer 7

maintain motivation and engagment

Question 8

token exchange for preferred items ensures:

Answer 8

Reinforcement remains meaningful

Question 9

bridge reinforcement delay is an advantage becasue:

Answer 9

tokens delay reinforcement without loosing effectiveness

Question 10

non-interruptive is an advantage of tokens because:

Answer 10

it provides reinforcement without disrupting activates

Question 11

having flexibility and variety is important why?

Answer 11

multiple reinforcers prevent boredom

Question 12

Token systems build resistance to station how?

Answer 12

tokens avoid reinforcer fatigue

Question 13

how do tokens teach delayed gratification?

Answer 13

they encourage waiting for larger rewards

Question 14

how do token systems promote clearly defined target behaviors

Answer 14

tokens are only given after specific, observable behaviors

Question 15

how do you create categories of behaviors

Answer 15

1. By using categories such as “on-task” or “following directions”
2. Focusing on 3-5 behaviors to avoid overwhelming learners

Question 16

what are the 2 types of token deliery?

Answer 16

1. Immediate deliver: Reinforce immediately after the behavior
2. Scheduled delivery: Deliver tokens at a set time

Question 17

what are the 2 types of tokens?

Answer 17

1. Physical (stickers, points, discs, etc.)
2. Electronic: digital tokens on a device

Question 18

reinforcer menus provide:

Answer 18

a list of items/activities that can be purchased with tokens

Question 19

should there be a variety of reinforced on a menu?

Answer 19

yes, there should be low, medium, and high priced options

Question 20

what is an exchange schedule?

Answer 20

established set times for token exchange

Question 21

what does it mean to adjust frequesncy?

Answer 21

more frequent exchanges for individuals with more behaviors, or lower developmental levels

Question 22

what are the indicators of a successful token system?

Answer 22

1. Consistent behavior displays
2. Engagement of token spending
3. Reduction in undesirable behavior

Question 23

what is response cost?

Answer 23

removing a reinforcer after an undesirable behavior in order to reduce its occurrence

Question 24

what are the risks of response cost?

Answer 24

1. Negative balance
2. Aggressive behavior
3. Reduced desire behavior

Question 25

what are indicators of ineffectiveness?

Answer 25

1. disinterest in earning tokens 2. lack of engagement behaviors 3. difficulty tracking tokens 4. power struggle over token loss or non delivery

Question 26

where are token systems commonly used?

Answer 26

1. Psychiatric hospitals & correction facilities 2. Young children and developmental disabilities 3. Discrete trial instruction (DTI) 4. Older learners 5. Naturalistic settings 6. Schools 7. School-wide PBIS