What is a Token Economy?

A Token Economy is a structured system where individuals can earn tokens for engaging in desired behaviors. These tokens act as a form of secondary reinforcement, which can be exchanged for various rewards or privileges. This approach is frequently used in educational and therapeutic settings to encourage positive behavior by providing tangible incentives. The effectiveness of a Token Economy lies in its ability to clearly delineate the behaviors that are being reinforced and to provide immediate feedback, facilitating learning and motivation.

The premise of earning tokens will help individuals understand the connection between their actions and the rewards they can receive, thereby reinforcing positive behavior over time. This system can be particularly useful in settings like classrooms or behavior modification programs, where immediate reinforcement is essential for encouraging the development of desired behaviors.