Assessing the reinforcing value of and preference for token reinforcement systems

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2018

First Committee Member

Karsina, Allen

Second Committee Member

Dickson, Chata

Third Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Abstract

"We evaluated the efficacy of tokens as conditioned reinforcers for 6 participants who attended a school for children with developmental disabilities. We conducted progressive ratio reinforcer assessments across 4 conditions (paired token, unpaired token, primary reinforcement, and control) to assess the effectiveness of tokens exchanged for primary reinforcers, tokens alone, and tokens exchanged for primary reinforcers. Additionally, for 5 participants, a concurrent-chains preference assessment was conducted to determine if tokens exchanged for primary reinforcers were preferred over primary reinforcers alone. Results showed that tokens exchanged for primary reinforcers functioned as reinforcers for 3 of 6 participants and 2 of 5 participants showed a preference for tokens exchanged for primary reinforcers over primary reinforcers only."

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