C.11 · Behavior Acquisition

Token economies

Work through examples of earning tokens for specified responses and exchanging them for backup activities. Review how the RBT tracks the balance, follows the approved exchange rules and seeks direction when materials are unavailable.

Task C.11: Apply token economies

Useful foundations: C.2: Conditioned reinforcers

The rule

In a token system, a defined response earns tokens and a stated exchange rule connects those tokens to backup reinforcers.

Keep earning and spending rules separate. Deliver tokens when earned, track the balance accurately, and honor the approved exchange arrangement.

Key terms
Exchange ratio
The number of tokens required to obtain a specified backup item or activity.

What to look for

DistinctionLook forHow to decide
Earning contingencyWhich response earns how many tokensDeliver the stated amount for the qualifying response.
Backup exchangeWhat tokens can obtain and whenUse the agreed options and exchange opportunity.
Exchange ratioTokens required for a backup item or activityApply the posted exchange cost.

Worked examples

Earning and spending

Track a complete exchange

A plan gives one token for each independently completed sorting tray. Five tokens buy three minutes with the marble run. A learner begins with two tokens and independently completes three trays, then requests the exchange.

Relevant facts

  • Three qualifying trays earn three tokens.
  • The backup activity costs five tokens.

The balance is five; complete the requested exchange according to the plan.

2 + 3 = 5 tokens; 5 − 5 = 0 after exchange

The learner has met both the earning and price rules. Requiring an extra tray now would change the contingency after the tokens were earned.

Unexpected problem

Use the backup arrangement for a supply issue

A learner earns four tokens, enough for the posted drawing activity. The markers are missing. The RBT considers doubling the price so the learner will keep working while someone searches.

Relevant facts

  • The learner has already met the posted cost.
  • Missing materials are a staff-side problem.

Seek the planned backup arrangement or supervisor direction while preserving the posted price.

Earned balance meets cost → exchange obligation remains

Reliable exchanges support the token system. Record and communicate the problem, using an approved equivalent option if the plan provides one.

What changes the answer?

Keep a balance of five tokens; change the posted cost.

  • The learner has earned five tokens under the plan.

The selected activity costs five tokens.

The balance covers the exchange.

Five meets the stated price.

A different listed activity costs seven tokens.

Two more tokens are needed for that option.

The alternative has a different pre-established price.

A posted choice of prices differs from inventing a higher price after tokens are earned.

Remember

  • Earn by the response rule; spend by the exchange rule.
  • Tokens need a dependable connection to their backup reinforcers.
Sources for this topic

Reviewed 2026-09-30 · C.11 version 3.