This document discusses token economies, which use conditioned reinforcers or "tokens" that can be saved and later exchanged for backup reinforcers. Token economies bridge the gap between a behavior and its reinforcement by allowing tokens to be earned immediately but redeemed later. Steps in developing a token economy include choosing target behaviors, baseline data collection, selecting a variety of backup reinforcers, choosing tokens that are not easily counterfeited, record keeping, and programming for generalization beyond the token system. Token economies can be used to modify behavior in various settings like hospitals, institutions, and work environments.

1. Behavior ModificationToken Economies – Ryan Sain

2. TokensConditioned reinforcersIf the reinforcer is something that can last a period of time and be ‘saved’ and later exchanged for something it is a TOKEN.MoneyLottery tickets – winning vs. losingGaming ticketsCoffee cards

3. Token EconomyThe situation that has been developedCan be ‘natural’ Can be ‘artificial’Can be temporaryCan be permanentAllows for exchange of conditioned reinforcers for backup reinforcers

4. AdvantagesImmediate vs. Delayed reinforcementToken ‘bridges’ the gap between behavior and backup reinforcer (delay)Pairing tokens with many backup reinforcers causes the token to become a generalized conditioned reinforcerDoes not require a motivating operation for strength

5. Steps in developing a Token EconomyChoose target behaviorLong term goalsWhat prerequisites exist (behavior wise) to achieve themThe more homogenous the group the easier they are to manageIndividual differences still exist – be prepared to be flexibleBaselineAlways establish baseline of target behaviors (and/or their prerequisites

6. Steps: Reinforcers.Choosing backup reinforcersChoose manyChoose a wide varietyMore options than for typical reinforcers (because they don’t have to be delivered immediately).Ethics – reinforcers that are normally available cannot be withheld with many individuals (TV, meals, etc)How are you going to dispense them?

7. Steps: How to choose a tokenWhat sorts of tokens should you use?Not easily counterfeited Automation?Quantity

8. Steps: AssistanceSmall token economiesLargeHospitalsInstitutionsWork environments

9. ImplementationRecord keepingReinforcing AgentQuantity and frequencyKeep your schedule rich to begin with then thin it outManaging backup reinforcersRich  Thin

10. Implementation cont.Punishment contingenciesSupervision of staffDon’t forget to reinforce them!Handle problems early and oftenConfusion, staffing, theft of tokens, distractions, not spending the tokens

11. A manualMake use of rulesFor the clientFor the managersEstablish a clear manual targeted at each group

12. GeneralizationProgram for generalizationSocial reinforcement of desirable behavior is the keyTie your token to social reinforcers as wellFade out the procedureDecrease valueAllow the client to plan their own reinforcersand behaviors.