Evaluation

• Research support

  • Hobbs and Holt - token economy in 3 young offender institutions and a control unit
  • Observed significant difference in positive behaviour
  • Field et al. - token economy with young people with behavioural issues generally effective, although still a number of young people who didn't respond
  • Results are more positive when placed on an immediate and frequent reward basis
  • Therefore, token economy systems do work
• Counterpoint to Hobbs and Holt


  • Success depends on consistency from staff
  • Bassett and Blanchard - any benefits lost if inconsistent application
  • Lack of training and high turnover rates
  • Therefore, behaviour management schemes must ensure full and consistent participation in order to work
• Easy to implement


  • Straightforward to setup in custody
  • No need for specialist professional involvement, such as in anger management
  • Cost-effective and easy to follow
  • Therefore, can be established in most prisons
• Little rehabilitative value


  • May not affect long-term behaviour
  • Blackburn - temporary changes, lost when released
  • Cognitive treatments may offer more permanent changes
  • Deep, internal understanding required, vs temporary, surface level changes
  • Therefore, when token economies discontinue, offenders may regress to their former behaviour