Alternate Title

Second-order token and tandem

Advisor(s)

Jason C. Bourret

Contributor(s)

William H. Ahearn, Chata Dickson

Date of Award

2011

Date Accepted

8-2011

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Applied Behavior Analysis

Department or Academic Unit

Bouvé College of Health Sciences. Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology.

Keywords

psychology, behavioral, autism, pre-ratio pauses, second-order token schedules, tandem schedules, token economies

Subject Categories

Token economy (Psychology), Autistic people

Disciplines

Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms

Abstract

Token economies have potential application for use in the facilitation and maintenance of behavior change, yet have not been demonstrated experimentally to maximize rate of responding. Findings from basic research suggest second-order chained schedules generate slower response rates and longer pre-ratio pauses when compared with second-order variable or tandem schedules. Applied research supports the use of token economies in increasing appropriate behavior and reducing problem behavior, but has not provided an analogue to basic research. The purpose of this study is to compare responding under second-order token and tandem schedules using clinically common production and exchange values with a participant diagnosed with autism. Rate of responding on a free operant task (i.e., target touching) and an applied task (i.e., sorting clothing) were compared; for both tasks tokens were presented contingently following responses during the token condition, but were absent during the tandem condition. Results from one participant indicate longer pre-ratio pauses and duration per component under the second-order token schedule than the tandem schedule. These findings replicate basic research findings and suggest the use of tokens is contraindicated.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights Holder

Julie M. Stine


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