![]() ![]() But more recently, attention has been focused on youth (both those with special needs and those without). 240).Īs mentioned previously, in the early years of the token economy, most of the collected data centered on the issue of assisting adults with brain disorders. They noted, one of the most important technologies of behavior modifiers and applied behavior analysts over the past 40 years has been the token economy (p. The research of Matson and Boisjoli (2009) provides another such example. More recently, surveys, studies and scholars (Shean, 2009 Dixon, et al., 2010) have supported the veracity of the previously quoted studies and have spoken on behalf of the token economy as an effective treatment method. While his writings are interesting and at times compelling, he unjustifiably denigrates much of the evidence (from studies highlighted here, randomized control studies, empirical observations and sales data) supporting the effectiveness of the token economy for the purpose of helping people (both young and old) to increase desirable behaviors and/or decrease undesirable behaviors. Kohn (1993) strongly criticized the use of incentives such as grades, stars and praise to motivate young people. One outspoken protagonist was Alfie Kohn, an American author and lecturer. ![]() Another publication by Kazdin (1982) raised certain ethical issues, such as whether it is justifiable to provide cigarettes as reinforcements for desirable behavior and whether it is appropriate to implement reward and punishment systems as a means of treatment.ĭuring the decades bookending the start of the 21st century, there emerged other opponents of using rewards to stimulate behavior change. The authors issued this warning: Although token reward systems are successful while in operation, the issue of generalization of behavior gains or resistance to extinction has not been given careful consideration (p. These obstacles include staff training and time demands, adult client resistance, and client dependence on tokens and consequent lack of intrinsic motivation (known as the failure to generalize). They warned that some obstacles may impede the effectiveness and/or implementation of this therapy. ![]() Despite their endorsement of the token economy, Kazdin and Bootzin (1972) noted some potential downsides. ![]()
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