ABA Exam CoachLessons · G. Behavior-Change Procedures
G.4 · Conditioned reinforcers and token economies
Why does a plastic chip or a check mark on a chart get a kid working hard? It isn't magic. It's learning history, and today you'll see exactly how to build it.
Key takeaway
A conditioned reinforcer gets its power from being paired with reinforcers that already work. Present the new stimulus just before or along with the established reinforcer, then test it by giving it alone, contingent on a response, and checking whether the behavior increases. In a token economy, define the target behaviors, the tokens, the backup reinforcers, and the exchange rules. Start with quick exchanges and stretch the requirement gradually. If tokens stop working, check the backups and the exchange schedule first.
A conditioned reinforcer gets its power from being paired with reinforcers that already work. Present the new stimulus just before or along with the established reinforcer, then test it by giving it alone, contingent on a response, and checking whether the behavior increases. In a token economy, define the target behaviors, the tokens, the backup reinforcers, and the exchange rules. Start with quick exchanges and stretch the requirement gradually. If tokens stop working, check the backups and the exchange schedule first.
Members get the full lesson video, notes and a 5-question test
The video walks through the idea, worked examples, the trap people fall into and an exam-style question. The notes and the checkpoint come with it, and your results feed your Where to focus plan.