A token economy is a procedure that was developed to help reduce
maladaptive behaviors and increased desire behaviors by providing a tangible
conditioned reinforcer.
It is important to note that a generalized conditioned reinforcer is not required
to be a tangible item.
Still, in regards to a token economy, the generalized conditioned reinforcer
does have to use tangible and visual representation for it to work.
Tokens in a token economy are individualized based on the preference of the
learner, which is what makes it a viable strategy.
A simple example of a token in a token economy might be a sticker or Lego
pieces.
Examples of Token Economy in
ABA
The tokens used in a token economy can either be visual or tangible. For
instance, say the backup reinforcer is to get a cell phone. The professional
could use a simple token board to encourage the learner's progress.
What is a token board? A token board is a visual representation of tokens that
the learner has earned towards their backup reinforcer, in this example the
cell phone.
The board would show what they are working for, a picture of a cell phone,
and then a block for every token needed to get the reinforcer.
Once each of the blocks has been filled in with the picture of an earned token,
the learner would gain access to their backup reinforcer. The token board can
even be a premade animated version that can be viewed via a smartphone,
computer, or tablet.
This can help with learners who love technology and help to keep their
interest on task while getting to their backup reinforcer.
Types of Token Economies
When it comes to token economies, there are several types that a
professional might choose to use. Here are a few of the different types that
have proven useful to ABA professionals.
Simple Token Systems
Simple token systems provide visuals or tangible tokens that allow a learner
to work towards a backup reinforcer.
Jar System
This system is best used when the learner already has a concept of what a
token economy is. Jar systems are best used when the backup reinforcer is a
larger one that will take time for the learner to gain access to.
More Complex Token Systems
Complex token systems are used when a professional or parent wishes to
award reinforcers for multiple behaviors. Each behavior should have its own
token area so the learner will be able to tell the difference between the
behaviors and the reinforcers for each.
Pros and Cons of Token
Economies
Just like with most systems, there are pros and cons that professionals need
to consider when considering using a token economy with one of their
learners. Here are some of the most prominent pros and cons that should be
considered and weighed.
Pros:
Keeps learners engaged. - When working with children, professionals have
to understand that children can become bored with reinforcers that they
receive all the time. The token economy system is designed to not only be fun
but help reduce the number of times the child can receive the backup
reinforcer.
Teaches a real-world concept. - When using a token economy, the learner
is taught that the tokens have value, and this can collate to the world
economy, and it can help them to understand the value of money when they
are older.
Teaches delayed gratification. - Due to it taking time for the child to
receive access to the backup reinforcer, a token economy will teach patience
and the need to work towards a goal.
Is consistent. - Unlike other forms of reinforcement, a token economy is
designed as a consistent way of working towards a backup reinforcer while
reinforcing behavior consistently.
Cons:
Learners could become frustrated or lose interest. - It is important to
make sure that the learner understands the value of the tokens they are
earning because if this is not accomplished, they could be frustrated or lose
interest in the backup reinforcer.
Tokens don't have innate value. - Some learners struggle with the concept
of the token's value, and this could frustrate the student and cause them to
struggle throughout the token economy process.
What is a Token Economy in ABA?
A token economy is a structured method for reinforcing healthy, adaptive
behaviors. Token economies can be simple systems or elaborate
economies. Children with autism and other neurodevelopmental
differences can benefit from token economies by visualizing their
progress toward earning a reinforcer. Token economies also help
children develop delayed gratification.
Token Economy Process
BCBAs develop token economies specific to each learner or group. The
general steps include:
1. Define the target behavior(s). The BCBA will first identify and
define the behaviors that they are looking to increase.
2. Create the tokens. Tokens are earned for engaging in target
behaviors. You can use essentially anything for your tokens–stars,
tallies, stickers, poker chips, fake money, etc. Tokens can be
tailored based on each child’s interests. For example, a child who
enjoys Paw Patrol might have Paw Patrol stickers for their tokens.
3. Create a backup reinforcer menu. Once the child has enough
tokens, they can cash them in for “backup reinforcers”. These
might be tangible items like a toy or video game. They may also be
activity reinforcers such as a trip to the movies or the park. Again,
individualization is key, so each child’s token economy will look
different. Each reinforcer will have a set number of tokens that the
child will need to cash in to receive the item or activity.
4. Implement the token economy with the child(ren). This
involves a number of steps, but first starts with going over the plan
with the learner so they know what to expect.
What are Tangible Conditioned Reinforcers in a
token economy?
The tangible conditioned reinforcers are the tokens that the child receives
for demonstrating target behaviors. For example, in a school setting, a
teacher is working with a few students on raising their hands instead of
blurting out an answer. Every time a child raises their hand, the teacher
gives them one star on their token board. The star would be the tangible
conditioned reinforcer. It is a conditioned reinforcer because the star was
not innately valuable to the child. It required pairing with other reinforcers
to receive its’ reinforcing value.
How Does a Token Economy Affect Intrinsic
Motivation?
Many parents and professionals worry about using token economies.
They may feel that children should be intrinsically motivated and should
not rely on extrinsic rewards. Some research has found token economies
reduce intrinsic motivation. However, further research has found that
token economies only reduce intrinsic motivation if they are used to
reinforce behaviors that the child was already intrinsically motivated to
do. For example, imagine a child loves reading and is happy to read
daily. Their teacher then implements a token system where they earn
points for every book they read, which can later be cashed in for prizes
from a prize box. This system of using external rewards for a behavior
that the child was already motivated to do can reduce their intrinsic
motivation to read moving forward.
Additional research has actually found external rewards to increase
intrinsic motivation when the person was previously not intrinsically
motivated. This is particularly true when the rewards are contingent on
the quality of the behavior, rather than merely participating in an activity
and when the rewards are considered a recognition of competence.
How to use token economy in therapy practice
Tokens
Tokens are delivered for demonstrating a target behavior. Tokens provide
a visual representation of the child’s progress toward earning their
backup reinforcer.
Behaviors
A token economy can encompass several target behaviors. However,
best practices involve starting with 1-3 target behaviors. To help a child
learn to associate earning tokens with the behavior of interest, it’s best to
start with continuous reinforcement. In other words, the child would earn
a token for every occurrence of the target behavior. The schedule of
reinforcement would gradually thin as the child makes progress in
increasing the target behavior(s).
Reinforcers
Reinforcers are accessed once the child earns the pre-determined
number of tokens. Again, this will usually start small, with the
requirements gradually increasing. A child, therefore, might only need 3
tokens to earn access to their reinforcer when they first start the token
economy. As they begin showing progress, that might increase to 5
tokens, then 10 tokens, etc.
The target behaviours could be anything. For example, completing academic tasks like
getting a certain amount of spellings correct, or it could be saying hello to their
teacher in the morning, or playing nicely with their peers.
What a target behaviour will be depends on each individual child. Some token
economies could be used to increase a child’s desire to complete academic tasks
while another token economy could be used to decrease the amount of aggression a
child engages in by giving tokens for not engaging in aggressive behaviours.
