Common Practices for Implementing Token Economies in Applied Settings
Token economies are a widely used tool in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). They rely on basic behavioral principles to motivate clients, teach new skills, and reduce unwanted behaviors. In essence, clients earn tokens for appropriate behavior, which they later exchange for preferred items or activities.
Though ABA textbooks describe strong guidelines for how to set up these systems, implementation in the real world doesn’t always match up. Understanding these differences can help practitioners improve their own token economy systems. A 2023 study by Fernandez, Argueta, and DeLeon sheds light on how token systems are actually being used in clinics, schools, and homes.
This blog highlights the study’s key findings so behavior analysts can better align practice with procedures that are supported by evidence.
Who Conducted This Study and Why?
Nathalie Fernandez, Tracy Argueta, and Iser G. DeLeon (2023) surveyed 255 professionals certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Their goal was to learn more about how token economies are used in applied settings. Most of the participants worked with individuals diagnosed with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Although ABA training provides guidelines for token economies, real-life implementation can change due to time limits, environmental constraints, or staffing issues. This survey helps pinpoint where those gaps exist.
Textbook Components of a Token Economy
Textbooks typically include these elements as a part of well-designed token economies:
- Token conditioning procedures
- Token production and exchange schedules
- Selection of backup reinforcers
- Strategies for fading or phasing out the system
- Use of generalized conditioned reinforcers
- Visual displays of tokens
- Stimulus control and discrimination training
- Preference assessments
- A method for verifying the effectiveness of reinforcers
The study compared this ideal model to how practitioners are actually putting systems in place.
What Are Behavior Analysts Doing in Practice?
General Use of Token Systems
Most behavior analysts reported using token economies across three behavior treatment objectives:
- Teaching new skills
- Maintaining previously learned behaviors
- Reducing challenging behaviors
Common settings included:
- Home-based programs
- Early intervention clinics
- K–12 schools
Teaching Token Concepts and Exchange Behavior
When teaching learners what tokens are and how to use them, common strategies included:
- Verbal explanation of what tokens are for
- Pairing tokens with meaningful reinforcers
- Using simplified token systems initially (e.g., 1 token = 1 reinforcer)
- Allowing learners to physically interact with the tokens
The exchange behavior was usually taught through:
- Forward chaining
- Verbal modeling
- A combination of both forward chaining and modeling
Small-scale individualized approaches were often taken rather than one-size-fits-all methods.
Token Characteristics and Displays
Specific details of token implementation included:
- Use of custom or interest-based tokens (e.g., cartoon characters)
- Preference for visible token boards over hidden or abstract tracking
- Giving learners access to handle their own tokens
This practice helps build motivation and increases learner engagement with the system.
How Backup Reinforcers Are Selected and Used
The study revealed that most practitioners selected backup reinforcers using:
- Structured preference assessments
- Direct observation during play or learning sessions
- Client or caregiver interviews
Common reinforcers included:
- Edibles
- Leisure activities
- Breaks from instruction
To avoid what’s known as “reinforcer satiation,” many professionals rotated reinforcers multiple times throughout the day.
Token Exchange Systems
Token exchange routines varied across practitioners. Common methods included:
- Requiring learners to earn a predetermined number of tokens before exchanging
- Allowing single-token exchanges for small items or privileges (less common)
- Using tokens as progress indicators without actual exchange (especially in classroom groups)
Interestingly, traditional “token stores” were rarely used. Instead:
- Reinforcers were often selected at the beginning of the session
- Exchange options were sometimes presented in simple pictorial displays
However, pricing systems for tokens and reinforcers often didn’t match textbook recommendations, which can impact motivation and learning outcomes.
Fading and Discontinuing Token Economies
Token economies were typically faded out when:
- Key behavior goals had been achieved
- The learner transitioned out of the program
Common methods for fading token use included:
- Gradually thinning how often tokens are given
- Replacing the tokens with naturalistic reinforcement strategies
- Abrupt removal in rare cases (not recommended in most scenarios)
Well-planned transitions help maintain desired behaviors even after the token system is removed.
Gaps Between Research and Real-World Practice
The survey highlighted several areas where practice differs from established recommendations:
- Reinforcer effectiveness wasn’t always re-assessed after token introduction
- Token systems were sometimes used on skills still being acquired (before they were fluent)
- Some systems used token boards just to show progress, without any actual reinforcement
These issues can reduce the effectiveness of token programs if not addressed.
What ABA Professionals Should Consider
To make token systems more effective, behavior analysts should:
- Follow consistent token conditioning procedures
- Use generalized tokens that work across goals and settings
- Rotate backup reinforcers to maintain effectiveness
- Include token stores with visible options when possible
- Never abruptly discontinue tokens—fade them out carefully
- Document individual preferences regularly
- Train implementation staff thoroughly and consistently
Following these best practices ensures that token economies are consistent, motivating, and grounded in behavioral science.
Moving Toward Better Practice
This study by Fernandez, Argueta, and DeLeon (2023) shows that most practitioners are using token systems with the right intentions, but there’s still room for improvement. Better training, clearer guides, and more open access to well-tested models could bridge the gap between theory and practice.
With greater emphasis on practice-informed research and regular staff support, token economies can continue to be a powerful tool in the ABA toolkit.
👉 Want to dig deeper? Read the full article:
📖 Fernandez, N., Argueta, T., & DeLeon, I. (2023).
🔗 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00800-5
🧠 Stay tuned for future posts where we break down each token economy component for easier implementation, one step at a time.