Management: Token Economy Systems Flashcards
1
Q
What are token economy systems?
A
A management to SZ which aims to improve patients engagement in daily activities.
2
Q
How do token economy systems work?
A
Patients are given tokens (primary reinforcers) for desirable behaviours and these can later be swapped for rewards (secondary reinforcers).
3
Q
What are primary reinforcers?
A
Tokens
4
Q
What are secondary reinforcers?
A
Actual rewards e.g watching TV.
5
Q
What are token economy systems based on?
A
Operant conditioning.
6
Q
What are 2 weaknesses of token economy systems?
A
- Possible ethical issues.
Systems may take away basic human rights and make patients work hard for them.
Shows basic necessities may be masked as ‘rewards’. - May only work in hospital setting.
When patients go home, it is unlikely they’ll still perform desirable behaviours as there are no secondary reinforcers to motivate them.
7
Q
What is one strength of token economy systems?
A
- Research support.
11/13 studies reported positive effects of token economy systems.
Shows system actually reinforces desirable behaviours.