ABA glossary
Token economy
Also called token system
Definition
A reinforcement system in which a person earns tokens (points, stickers, chips) for specified behaviors and later exchanges them for backup reinforcers. Through that exchange, the tokens become conditioned reinforcers.
In plain words
Tokens bridge the gap between a behavior and a bigger reward. A learner can receive a token right after each correct response and trade a set number later for something they want. A complete token economy defines three things: the target behaviors that earn tokens, the tokens themselves, and the exchange rules (what can be bought, for how many tokens, and when). Tokens only work after they have been linked to backup reinforcers, so new learners usually start with small exchange requirements.
Example from a session
Zara's board has five star spaces. The RBT shows her the choice menu (tablet, bubbles, or a snack), and she picks bubbles. The RBT gives a star right after each correct response ("Nice job, you got a star!"). After five stars, Zara trades them for 2 minutes of bubbles, as the plan states. The RBT records each exchange and does not hand out stars for behaviors outside the target list, even when Zara asks.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
Designing a token economy means choosing the tokens, identifying backup reinforcers through preference assessment, setting the token-earning and exchange schedules, and adding response cost only when clearly justified. Tokens become generalized conditioned reinforcers when they can be exchanged for many different backups, which reduces satiation. A good plan also says how the system will be faded, for example by lengthening exchange schedules and shifting to natural reinforcers, so behavior is maintained once the tokens are gone.
Often confused with backup reinforcer, response cost
The token is the conditioned reinforcer delivered right after behavior; the backup reinforcer is what the tokens are traded for. Response cost is a separate, optional punishment component in which tokens are taken away for problem behavior. A token economy can run without response cost, and many do.
Exam tip
If a stem asks why tokens work, the answer is their pairing with backup reinforcers (conditioned reinforcement). If it asks what makes tokens "generalized," look for tokens that can be exchanged for a variety of backups.
Can you spot token economy in a scenario?
Practice RBT C.11 with exam-style questions and instant feedback.