Behaviour Modification - Token Economy

• Behaviour modification

  A therapeutic technique used to increase or decrease the frequencies of behaviour using operant conditioning
• Operant Conditioning

  Learning through reinforcement or punishment

  If a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence, then that behaviour is more likely to be performed
• Token Economy

  A form of therapy where desirable behaviours are encouraged by the use of selective reinforcements

  Rewards (Tokens) are given as secondary reinforcers when individuals engage in correct / socially desirable behaviours

  These can be exchanged or primary reinforcers - food and privileges
• Ayllon and Azrin (1961)

  Developed the Token economy system

  The unlearning of undesirable behaviour is possible by reinforcing obedience and punishing disobedience

  Desirable behaviours are rewarded with tokens, which can be exchanged for rewards (eg cigarettes)

  Token economy - a system of exchange of goods (economy) based on tokens

  1. Reinforcement
  2. Punishment
  3. Shaping
• Reinforcement of new behaviours

  Prisoners are given tokens when they perform desirable behaviours such as making their bed or obeying their orders

  These tokens can be used to buy goods of their choice: tobacco, food, tv time

  Items purchased act as reinforcers, increasing the likelihood of the desirable behaviour being repeated - operant conditioning

  • Food = primary reinforcer
  • tokens = secondary reinforcer
• Punishment

  If undesirable behaviour is observed, tokens can be removed as a form of punishment
• Shaping

  A process by which tokens are given for behaviour that progressively becomes more complex

  This happens by reinforcing successive improvements of behaviour

  This is a process whereby the tokens are given for progressive behaviours that are unique to an individual - rather than the same reward for all
• Hobbs and Holt (1976)

  Introduced token economy programme with groups of young delinquents across three behavioural units (with a fourth control unit)

  Observed a significant difference in positive behaviour compared to the non-token economy group

  A similar effect was found with offenders in an adult prison (Allyon et al 1979)