eneral

sychology

Tokens

Tokens are conditioned reinforcers such as poker chips, coins, tickets, stars, points, or checkmarks. Tokens are called generalized reinforcers because they can be exchanged for a variety of reinforcing events referred to as back-up reinforcers. A reinforcement system based upon tokens is referred to as a token economy. In a token economy, tokens function the same way that money does in national economic systems. The tokens are earned and used to purchase back-up reinforcers, including various goods and services. Back-up reinforcers usually include food, consumables, activities, and privileges. The rate of exchange of tokens for back-up reinforcers must be specified so that it is clear how many tokens are required to purchase various reinforcers. The target behavior or behaviors are made explicit, as in most programs, along with the number of tokens which are administered for their performance.

A well-known program based upon a token economy has been used to rehabilitate predelinquent youths who have committed various offenses (e.g., thefts, fighting, school truancy, and academic failure) (Fixsen, Phillips, Phillips & Wolf, 1976). The program was conducted at a home-style cottage setting named Achievement Place, managed by two house parents. Behaviors that earned points included watching the news, reading newspapers, keeping oneself neat and clean, performing chores around the house, receiving good grades at school, and others. Points could be lost for poor grades, aggressive talk (making threats), disobeying rules, lying, stealing, being late, fighting, and other disruptive behaviors. Points were used to purchase privileges such as staying up late, going downtown, watching TV, using tools, riding one's bicycle, and receiving an allowance. Interestingly, the boys participated actively in running the program by supervising each other's work, recording their own behavior, and developing and enforcing rules among their peers. The program has been shown to alter a variety of behaviors (e.g., social interaction, completion of homework, and chores) in the home setting. While participating in the program, youths committed fewer criminal offenses in the community and had fewer contacts with the police than delinquents placed on probation or in other settings where this program was not in effect (Kirigin, Braukmann, Atwater, & Wolf, 1982; Kirigin, Wolf, Braukmann, Fixsen, & Phillips, 1979).
 
 

Next Study Question

General Home Page