Final answer:
A token economy is a behavior modification system using tokens as secondary reinforcers to increase desired behaviors, which can be exchanged for meaningful rewards or back-up reinforcers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept described involves the use of a token economy, an effective behavior modification system based on operant conditioning, a type of learning where behavior is modified by its consequences. Within a token economy, individuals exhibit specified behaviors to earn tokens, which act as secondary reinforcers. These tokens have no inherent value but can be exchanged for meaningful rewards or back-up reinforcers such as privileges, items, or activities. This approach can significantly improve behavior and academic achievements across a diverse range of educational or therapeutic settings.
Two types of reinforcement schedules that might be used in a token economy include the fixed ratio reinforcement schedule and the fixed interval reinforcement schedule. A fixed ratio schedule rewards a behavior after a set number of responses, whereas a fixed interval schedule rewards behavior after a set amount of time has elapsed. This structured approach to reinforcement can provide predictable and consistent incentives for individuals to modify their behavior in a desired direction.