When a behavior is reinforced, or rewarded, it is likely to be repeated. For example, when you do something that earns a smile, a “thumbs up,” or a pat on the back from a friend, family member, or colleague, it is more likely that you will do it again. The same is true for a child who earns a reward for completing his homework. If the reward, or reinforcer, is something he really wants, he will likely repeat the behavior that earned him the reward.
This response to positive reinforcement is a part of everyday life that we can utilize when we work to modify the behaviors of children and adults with special needs.
One effective method of reinforcement is the use of “token economies.” Token economies have three major components: 1) a behavior or behaviors someone needs to exhibit; 2) tokens or points earned for engaging in those behaviors; and 3) exchanging tokens or points for a choice of reinforcing rewards.
Tokens and points can come in many forms. An everyday example is a paycheck. To earn a paycheck, you need to go to work and complete your job responsibilities (behavior); in turn, you receive money (tokens) for working; and you can exchange this money for a nearly unlimited number of reinforcing items (choices).
When working with individuals with autism and other special needs, it is at times most appropriate to use continuous reinforcement and provide a reinforcing item directly after they engage in a behavior you want to increase. In the classroom, however, this can slow down instructional time because you have to interrupt teaching in order to deliver the reinforcer. It can be quicker to have the student work for tokens or points. A token economy will allow for a quicker pace of instruction and, with the correct introduction and exposure, the tokens or points themselves will become reinforcing.
The tokens become what behavior analysts call generalized conditioned reinforcers. In a token economy, tokens can be paired with so many things (all of the choices you can make in regard to exchange) that they themselves become reinforcing in many situations and environments. This makes it a useful tool when preferences change quickly and/or environmental factors change the person’s motivation for reinforcement of a certain kind. If he or she becomes uninterested in a certain previously preferred reinforcer, the token may still be motivating because it can be exchanged for a different reinforcer.
The best way to present and explain a token economy will vary depending on the person. The type of tokens, behaviors, schedule of exchange, type of exchange, and choices can all be adjusted for individual needs. Sometimes token economies look like actual economies; students will earn money or fake money they can exchange for items they desire. Other times, a student is earning points on a board, and after obtaining a certain number of points, he or she will be able to earn something. This is a modified token economy, as there is no direct exchange. However, the type of responses, number of responses, and choices are all still present.
It is important to note that, in many cases, token economies need to be introduced and taught in specific ways so the person obtains enough reinforcement and understands the rules as much as possible. The reinforcers and rules are easily adjusted and should change over time as the individual uses the economy.
The goal for all reinforcement is always to get it to a “naturalistic” level where additional resources are not needed. For token economy purposes, this may mean that an individual is no longer working for tokens and instead is working for social praise or the reward of completing a difficult task.
If you think that your child could benefit from the use of a token economy, you may want to consult a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
By Sarah Helm, M.A., LABA, BCBA
About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interventions, serving autistic individuals and individuals with other developmental disabilities, brain injury, neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded nearly 70 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan.May Institute operates five schools for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, including one in West Springfield, Mass., and our newest school in Chicopee, Mass. For more information, call800.778.7601or visitwww.mayinstitute.org.
FAQs
One effective method of reinforcement is the use of “token economies.” Token economies have three major components: 1) a behavior or behaviors someone needs to exhibit; 2) tokens or points earned for engaging in those behaviors; and 3) exchanging tokens or points for a choice of reinforcing rewards.
Is a token economy positive reinforcement? ›
Token economies are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and emphasize the use of positive reinforcement to target behavior change. Token economies help students to visualize progress, accept and work for delayed reinforcement, learn to self-monitor, and learn to regulate behavior.
What is an example of token reinforcement? ›
Creating Token Systems that Motivate. Tokens can be physical objects such as a coin, poker chip, ticket, or sticker, or even a checkmark on a board or piece of paper. With a little creativity, you can create a token system that motivates your learner beyond receiving the backup reinforcer.
What is a token economy quizlet? ›
Token Economy. An operant conditioning procedure in which people earn a token for exhibiting a desired behavior and can later exchange the tokens for various privileges or treats.
How could you use behavior modification, specifically positive reinforcement, to change your behavior? ›
To change a personal behavior one could identify a behavior they want to change, like increasing study time. They could then define a positive reinforcement, such as spending time on a favorite hobby. Then, a behavior modification process can be established where the behavior is followed by the positive reinforcement.
What is an example of a token economy behavior modification? ›
An everyday example is a paycheck. To earn a paycheck, you need to go to work and complete your job responsibilities (behavior); in turn, you receive money (tokens) for working; and you can exchange this money for a nearly unlimited number of reinforcing items (choices).
What is an example of token economy target behavior? ›
This may include behaviors such as following instructions, completing tasks, or demonstrating appropriate social skills. Once the target behaviors have been identified, the therapist will create a token economy system that is tailored to the individual's needs.
What are token examples? ›
a memento; souvenir; keepsake: The seashell was a token of their trip. something used to indicate authenticity, authority, etc.; emblem; badge: Judicial robes are a token of office.
What are the benefits of token reinforcement? ›
By using tokens as a form of currency, individuals are motivated to engage in desired behaviors to earn tokens, which can later be exchanged for preferred rewards. This system creates a tangible link between positive behavior and rewards, reinforcing the desired behaviors and promoting their repetition.
What are 3 examples of items that can be used as tokens? ›
Tokens are earned for engaging in target behaviors. You can use essentially anything for your tokens–stars, tallies, stickers, poker chips, fake money, etc. Tokens can be tailored based on each child's interests. For example, a child who enjoys Paw Patrol might have Paw Patrol stickers for their tokens.
Token economies are based on operant learning theory, which states that rewards and punishments shape behavior. A token economy rewards good behavior with tokens that can be exchanged for something desired. A token can be a chip, coin, star, sticker, or something that can be exchanged for what the student wants to buy.
Why is token economy used? ›
Token economy systems (TES) help treat patients with maladaptive behaviours. TES encourage desirable behaviours in patients and discourages undesirable or maladaptive behaviours. It associates good behaviours with rewards, as good behaviours earn tokens which can be exchanged for rewards.
What is the primary goal of a token economy? ›
A token economy system is a structured reinforcement strategy used to increase desirable behaviors and decrease unwanted ones. It involves awarding tokens for specific behaviors, which can later be exchanged for a variety of reinforcing items or privileges.
What are three examples of positive reinforcement given for positive behavior? ›
Parenting with Positive Reinforcement
- Giving a high five;
- Offering praise;
- Giving a hug or a pat on the back;
- Giving a thumbs up;
- Clapping and cheering;
- Telling another adult how proud you are of your child's behavior while your child is listening;
- Giving extra privileges;
- and giving tangible rewards.
B. F. Skinner demonstrated that behavior could be shaped through reinforcement and/or punishment. Skinner noted that a reinforcer is a consequence that increases the likelihood of behavior to recur, while punishment is a consequence that decreases the chance. Positive and negative are used in mathematical terms.
How does positive reinforcement affect behavior? ›
First, it has the potential to result in more desired behavior from the person being reinforced. Additionally, positive reinforcement often leads to a person feeling better about themselves, which can motivate them to keep exhibiting the desired behavior.
What type of reinforcement schedule is a token economy? ›
Token reinforcement is a type of conditioned reinforcement, and has been shown to be an effective behavior modification strategy across many different populations (Kazdin, 1978; Hackenberg, 2009). A token is “an object or symbol that can be exchanged for goods or services” (Hackenberg, p.
What type of conditioning is token economy? ›
A token economy is a system used for reinforcing target behaviors based on the principles of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a type of learning through which the behaviors of individuals is shaped and strengthened through rewards and punishments.
What is a token economy in psychology? ›
A token economy is a behavioral management system in which an individual is rewarded for demonstrating the desired behavior. Tokens represent the number of times the individual has successfully performed the desired behavior.
Is a token a conditioned reinforcer? ›
Tokens are normally conceptualized as conditioned reinforcers, established as such through their relationship to other reinforcers.
