A token economy is bases on operant conditioning - desirable inmate behaviours are rewarded (reinforced) with tokens. Desirable behaviours might include avoiding confrontation, being quiet in the cell, following rules.
Tokens may also be removed = punishment.
Tokens are not rewarding in themselves but rewarding because they can be exchanged for something desirable (primary reinforcer).
Primary reinforcers = a phone call to a loved one, time in the gym, extra cigarettes or food.
Target behaviours are operationalised by breaking them down into components parts e.g. 'interaction with other prisoners' may be broken down into 'speaking politely to others', 'not touching others, etc.
Each 'unit' of behaviour should be objective and measurable and agreed with staff and prisoners in advance.
Staff and prisoners should be made aware of how much each behaviour is worth in terms of tokens.
Behaviours are hierarchical, some are more demanding than others.
Tokens may be awarded directly or points may be awarded and converted to tokens.
Reinforcements should outnumber punishments by a ratio of 4:1 (Gendreau).
Prison staff receive full training.
The aim is to standardise procedures - so all prison staff reward the same behaviours. Keep record of what tokens awarded so progress of individual prisoners can be assessed.