topic 22

Question 1

what is token economy?

Answer 1

• token: a conditioned reinforcer that can be given immediately after a behaviour and exchanged for bakcup reinforcers
• directed to chaning the behaviours of groups of people
• changing a number of target behaviours
• complex systems to manage the consequences of behaviour

Question 2

how to implement a token economy

how to start a token economy?

Answer 2

• decide on the target behaviours; easier to do when group members are similar to each other
• conduct a functional assessment to determine the abcs
• recuit staff and train them to administer the program
• collect baseline data

Question 3

how to implement a token economy

how to set up a token economy?

Answer 3

• select tokens; may be tangible or symbolic
• practical considerations for tokens
• set up facilites; eg stores
• select backup reinforcers
• manage consequences ( more info)

Question 4

how to implement a token economy

how to phase out a token economy?

Answer 4

• behaviour should be maintained by nautral contingencies
• thin the schedule of reinforcment
• delay reinforcement
• replace programmed reinforcers with natural reinforcers

Question 5

what are some target behaviours example

Answer 5

• appropriate social behaviours
• academic perfomance
• daily living skills

Question 6

what are some examples with setting

Answer 6

• “mark system” for inmates
• classrooms; “gold star”
• worsites; egg carton and open pit mining
• institutional settins

Question 7

what are the benefits and problems of token economies

Answer 7

• is n effective way of changing problem behaviours
• behaviour may revert back
• high cost
• criticized as demeaning