Conditioned Reinforcers and Token Economy Notes

Conditioned Reinforcers

Definition and Types

• Primary Reinforcers:

  • Stimuli that have biological importance.

  • Capable of reinforcing behavior without prior learning.

  • Examples: Food, drink, sex, affection.

• Secondary Reinforcers (Conditioned Reinforcers):

  • Stimuli that acquire reinforcing properties through association with primary reinforcers.

  • Examples include tokens used in programs like Token Economy.

• Backup Reinforcers:

  • Usually not primary; can include activities, toys, grades, bonuses, etc.

  • Achieved through earning tokens that can be exchanged for these rewards later.

  • System is referred to as Token Economy or Token System.

Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Conditioned Reinforcers

1. Strength of Backup Reinforcers:

   • If the backup reinforcer is not seen as reinforcing, the conditioned reinforcer will also lose its effect (e.g., tokens for candy that the client dislikes).

2. Variety of Backup Reinforcers:

   • More diverse backup reinforcers increase the likelihood that at least one will be effective at any time.

   • Conditioned reinforcer based on multiple sources is termed a Generalized Reinforcer.

3. Schedule of Pairing:

   • Effectiveness increases if not every instance of the conditioned reinforcer is immediately followed by a backup reinforcer.

   • Partial reinforcement schedules can help sustain behavior longer and delay extinction.

4. Extinction of Conditioned Reinforcers:

   • Continuous association with a backup reinforcer is critical.

   • Stopping the backup will lead to a decrease in the behavior.

Token Economy

• Definition:

  • A system where individuals earn tokens for desirable behaviors that can be exchanged for backup reinforcers.

Initial Steps in Setting up a Token Economy

1. Decide on Target Behaviors:

   • Should align with participants' profiles and the specific issues targeted for modification.

2. Taking Baselines:

   • Collect baseline data before implementing the token economy.

3. Selecting Backup Reinforcers:

   • Ensure a variety of reinforcers that appeal to participants, determined by their preferences.

4. Selecting Type of Tokens:

   • Tokens should be attractive, lightweight, durable, easy to handle, and hard to counterfeit.

5. Identifying Available Help:

   • Consider the size of the token economy and the support needed.

6. Choosing Location:

   • Implement where it is needed most for effectiveness.

Considerations for Implementation

1. Keeping Data:

   • Document who is participating, when activities are performed, and where data is stored.

2. Reinforcing Agent:

   • Designate who will deliver reinforcers and tokens.

3. Number/Frequency of Tokens:

   • Offer more tokens initially and gradually reduce as participants adjust.

4. Managing Backup Reinforcers:

   • Ensure that backup reinforcers are available at appropriate frequencies.

5. Possible Punishment Contingencies:

   • Tokens can be removed as a form of punishment if necessary.

6. Supervision of Staff:

   • Ensure staff is adequately supervised to maintain program integrity.

7. Handling Potential Problems:

   • Anticipate and prepare for challenges that may arise during the program execution.