rbt C.11 Token Economies

By RBThub February 23, 2026

Money is just painted paper. It has no value on its own. It only has value because you can exchange it for things you actually want (food, housing, Netflix).

Token Economies work the exact same way. We teach learners that "Plastic Chips" (Generalized Conditioned Reinforcers) are valuable because they can be traded for "Backup Reinforcers" (iPad, Snacks, Break time).

Executive Summary

This video provides a blueprint for building a Token Economy that actually works. Many people fail because they forget the most important part: The Exchange. You will learn how to select safe tokens, identify backup reinforcers, and set an "Exchange Ratio" (price) that motivates the learner without frustrating them.

⏱️ Video Timeline

00:00
Introduction
Token economies are proven effective in classrooms, clinics, and homes when done correctly.
01:18
The 6 Steps
1. Target Behaviors. 2. Select Tokens. 3. Backup Reinforcers. 4. Exchange Ratio. 5. Schedule. 6. Trial Run.
07:08
Backup Reinforcers
The "Menu." Tokens are useless without these. You need a variety (edibles, activities, toys) to prevent boredom (satiation).
16:14
Response Cost
A punishment procedure where tokens are removed for bad behavior. (Optional and risky).

🔑 Key Insights

Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer: A fancy name for "Money" or "Tokens." They are reinforcing because they pair with everything.
The Exchange: The magic moment. The learner must physically trade the tokens for the item to learn the value.
Exchange Ratio: The Price. Start cheap (1 token = 1 candy). As they learn, increase the price (10 tokens = 1 candy).
Response Cost: Taking tokens away (like a speeding ticket). Be careful, this can cause aggression.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use anything as a token?
A: Yes, as long as it is safe, durable, and controlled by you. (e.g., poker chips, tally marks, stickers).
Q: What if the learner has enough tokens but refuses to work?
A: This is Satiation. They have "enough money." You need to increase the cost of items or offer better backup reinforcers to make them "hungry" for tokens again.

1. The Token Cycle

The system only works if the cycle completes. If you give tokens but never let them spend them, the tokens become worthless trash.
Behavior $ Token Exchange Reward (Backup)

2. Response Cost (The Fine)

Warning

Response Cost is Punishment (Negative Punishment).
You are taking away a token. This can cause aggression or emotional outbursts. Only use this if authorized by your BCBA. Never take away tokens "in the moment" out of anger.

📝 Knowledge Check

Are you ready to run the economy?

Q1: What type of reinforcer is a Token?

Answer: Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer.
It is "Conditioned" (learned) and "Generalized" (can buy many different things).

Q2: You have a client who hoards tokens but never spends them. Their behavior starts to decrease. What is wrong?

Answer: Failure to Exchange.
If they don't trade the tokens for actual rewards, the tokens lose their value (Extinction). You must force an exchange.
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Acquisition Quiz

Mock Exam

Test your knowledge on Tokens and Generalized Reinforcers.

Start Practice Test

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