TOKEN ECONOMIES Flashcards
Who was the token economy originally developed for
hospitalized patients with chronic psychiatric disorders
What are 3 characteristics about token economies
- Changes behaviour in groups, not individual people
- Changes a number of target behaviours
- Applies complex systems to manage the consequences of behaviours
When deciding on the target behaviours in the token economy, what is important to factor in
That it benefits everyone, and depends on the problems that exist
You need to recruit staff members to administer the program, what do you need to train the staff to doo? (4)
- to identify target behaviours
- modify antecedents and consequences
- record data
- administer the tokens
What are practical considerations for tokens
Inexpensive
Durable (might have to use for a long time)
Convenient to transport and accessible
Not harmful
Difficult to steal
What are “backup reinforcers”
tokens can be exchanged for other reinforcers (called backup reinforcers)
What is important to note when selecting backup reinforcers?
observing peoples preferences in naturalistic settings is important, and provide a variety of reinforcers
What are the 4 guidelines for administering tokens
- Deliver tokens immediately after target behaviour
- Deliver natural reinforcers (like praise) along with the tokens
- Maintain accurate records of target behaviours and the tokens given
- Give bonus rewards for high levels of performance
For clients with intellectual disabilities, why should backup reinforcers be given at the same time as the tokens
To strengthen the association between them
When is it time to “phase out” a token economy
when the client is consistently successful and the behaviour is maintained by natural contingencies
How do you “thin” the schedule of reinforcement
decrease the number of tokens earned by a behaviour, decrease number of behaviours eligible for tokens, and increase the number of tokens needed for the backup reinforcer
What does it mean to “delay reinforcement” in a token economy
increase time between receiving totems and receiving backup reinforcers
also start to replace tokens with natural reinforcers
What are 3 benefits of token economies
Effective in changing problem behaviours
Shows greater response maintenance than other procedures
Satisfaction for clients is high and helps them develop real-world skills
What are 3 cons of token economies
gains may be lost after person leaves the economy
high costs
criticized as demanding
