Effectiveness

• Research support

  • Dickerson et al. - 13 studies, review article
  • 11 out of 13 showed beneficial effects
  • Concluded token economies were effective in increasing adaptive behaviour in schizophrenia patients
• Research support

  • Glowacki - token economies in 7 hospitals
  • 7 out of 7 showed a reduction in patients' negative symptoms
• Counterpoint to Dickerson


  • Dickerson identified methodological issues in the review
  • Comer - most token economy studies didn't use a control group
  • Could lead to exaggerated effect due to confounding variables, such as boredom or staff attention
• Counterpoint to Comer


  • McDonagle and Sultana
  • Very little research exists
  • High potential