Final answer:
The three parts of a token economy are tokens that serve as secondary reinforcers, a system to earn tokens through positive behaviors, and a method to exchange tokens for rewards to reinforce desirable actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three parts of a token economy are:
- Tokens which serve as a secondary reinforcer and are awarded for exhibiting desired behaviors.
- A way to earn tokens through demonstrating specific, targeted behaviors.
- A system for exchanging tokens for a variety of desired rewards or privileges, which reinforces the positive behavior that earned the tokens.
Token economies are behavior modification systems used in various settings, including schools and mental health facilities, to encourage positive behavior. Tokens act as a tangible representation of good behavior and can be traded in for rewards. This system has been shown to be extremely effective in modifying behavior, as seen in research, such as the study by Adibsereshki and Abkenar, which showed increased appropriate social behaviors and reduced inappropriate ones in eighth grade students using a token economy.