Why Is Token Economy Effective

A token economy will allow for a quicker pace of instruction and, with the correct introduction and exposure, the tokens or points themselves will become reinforcing. The tokens become what behavior analysts call generalized conditioned reinforcers.

How is token economy effective?

A review of the literature conducted by Matson and Boisjoli (2009), found that token economies have been used successfully for different behaviors such as remaining in seat, increasing attention, increasing appropriate verbalizations and social skills, and increasing self-help skills, decreasing inappropriate call-outs …

What are 2 major advantages to using tokens as reinforcers?

(b) Tokens are generalized conditioned reinforcers and therefore do not depend on a specific motivating operation for their strength. This makes it easier to administer consistent and effective reinforcers when dealing with a group of individuals who may be in different motivational states.