A01

• What are token economies used for?

  To manage behavior in schizophrenia patients
• Who conducted the classic demonstration of a token economy?

  Teodoro Ayllon and Nathan Azrin
• What was given to participants for completing tasks in the token economy study?

  A plastic token embossed with 'one gift'
• What was the outcome of the token economy trial by Ayllon and Azrin?

  The number of tasks carried out increased significantly
• When were token economies extensively used?

  In the 1960s and 70s
• Why has the use of token economies declined in the UK?

  Due to community-based care and ethical issues
• What is one outcome of prolonged hospitalisation?

  Development of bad habits
• What are the three categories of institutional behavior addressed by token economies?

  Personal care, condition-related behaviors, social behavior
• How do token economies improve quality of life in hospitals?

  By encouraging personal care and social interaction
• How do token economies help patients adapt back to community life?

  They 'normalize' behaviors for reintegration
• What form do tokens typically take in a token economy?

  Colored discs
• Why is immediate reward important in a token economy?

  Delayed rewards are less effective
• What might rewards in a hospital setting include?

  Sweets, magazines, or access to activities
• What are tokens considered in the context of operant conditioning?

  Secondary reinforcers
• How do secondary reinforcers gain value in a token economy?

  They are paired with primary reinforcers
• What is the process involved in a token economy?

  • Tokens are given immediately for desirable behaviors
  • Target behaviors are individualized
  • Tokens are exchanged for tangible rewards later
  • Immediate rewards are crucial for effectiveness
• What are the benefits of modifying behaviors through token economies?

  • Improves quality of life in hospitals
  • Normalizes behavior for community reintegration
• What is the theoretical basis of token economies?

  • Example of behavior modification
  • Based on operant conditioning principles
  • Tokens are secondary reinforcers paired with primary reinforcers