Treatment/therapy Token Economy

Question 1

Token economy

Answer 1

Tokens/ secondary reinforcers can be exchanged for primary reinforcers. E.g. Items. Once saved up. Rewards can be individually negotiated and each person using the therapy cannot reward themselves. Tokens must be given constantly by staff for success. It’s believed generalisation will occur, reinforced in the institution and applied to real life.

Question 2

Token economy evaluation - ✅

Answer 2

Supporting evidence - from field et al. Used tep in youth offenders institution. Found most improved anti social behaviour
Administrated by anyone - after basic training, inexpensive, quick, easy
Personally adjusted - suitable, specific rewards set waning people more likely to complete program

Question 3

Token economy evaluation - ❌

Answer 3

Dependant on tokens - might always expect them, only reproduce desired behaviour to receive them.
May not be generalised - undesirable behaviour may occur, must keep reinforcing, long term effect is limited. Does not create an intrinsic motivation.
Contradictory arguments - suggestions that it is the increase of positivity of staff.
Unethical - violates basic human rights as they may feel they have to comply for privileges. It’s I also a open to abuse by staff, victimising may occur and they may use their authority to manipulate.

Question 4

Token economy

Answer 4

Used in institutional settings e.g. Mental hospitals. They help increase desired behaviour and decrease undesirable. It’s a form of behaviour modification which relies on learning principles to change. E.g. Smoking. It’s based on the idea that desired behaviour is rewarded therefore likely to be repeated. Positively reinforced with coin like tokens which act as secondary reinforcers