Behaviour Modification - Token Economy

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    • 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)