Extending Token Economy Systems with the Operant Demand Framework

Abstract

Token reinforcement systems have been applied across various clinical and educational settings. Although effective across various contexts, limited guidance is available for clinicians beyond the initial construction and introduction of the system. Limited information regarding the efficacy of certain token system arrangements can introduce uncertainty whereby certain schedule arrangements could be overly lax or strict and potentially jeopardize the efficacy of an otherwise appropriate intervention strategy. Methods from operant behavioral economics were used in this study to characterize various token reinforcement arrangements using token-exchange and exchange-production schedules as a proxy for reinforcer ‘price’ across various token-production schedules (i.e., FR1, FR2, VR2). Concurrent chain procedures were used to evaluate preferences regarding token reinforcement system arrangements apart from overall efficacy. Results were largely consistent with basic research on token reinforcement and the varying arrangements yielded overall comparable rates of responding when controlling for the molar reinforcer price. Findings revealed that most participants demonstrated similar performances but distinct preferences regarding token schedule arrangements