Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Behavior Analysis and Therapy
Advisor
Baires, Natalia
Abstract
Research demonstrating the effectiveness of token economies as a behavioral intervention spans several decades. Behavior analytic research specifically utilizing token economies peaked in the 1970’s, with sporadic development since (Doll et al., 2013; Hackenberg 2018). Despite the long history of research surrounding token economies, there is little research focused on the token itself. Much of the research that underscores the token focuses more on the pairing of the token with backup reinforcers. Yet, by using objects of obsession or perseverative interest items as tokens, both Charlop-Christy and Haymes (2014) and Carnett et al. (2014) saw higher levels of on-task behavior than when using neutral or arbitrary tokens were used. Therefore, this paper will focus on the effect tokens have on increasing on task behavior while decreasing challenging behaviors for children with autism spectrum disorder.