chapter 22- exam 1

Question 1

token economy

Answer 1

reinforcement system in which conditioned reinforcers called tokens are later exchanged for backup reinforcers

Question 2

steps for token economy

Answer 2

1. desirable behavior to be strengthened
2. tokens to be used as conditioned reinforcers
3. backup reinforcers to be exchanged for the tokens
4. a reinforcement schedule for token delivery
5. the rate at which tokens are exchanged for the backup reinforcers
6. a time and place for exchanging tokens for backup reinforcers

Question 3

implementing a token economy

Answer 3

• define target behavior
• identifying the items to use as tokens
• identifying backup reinforcers
• deciding on the appropriate schedule of reinforcement
• establishing the time and place for exchange
• deciding whether to use response cost
  - the loss of tokens in the response cost component will be effective as a punisher only after the tokens have been firmly established as conditioned reinforcers for the participants

Question 4

practical consideration

Answer 4

successful implantation of a token economy depends on certain other considerations

1. the change agent should always deliver the token immediately after the target behavior
2. the change agent should praise the client while delivering tokens
3. for young children or those with mental disability, backup reinforcers should be given to client at same time as token
4. once clients consistently achieve success the token economy should be discontinued