In a token economy, what can tokens be exchanged for?

In a token economy, tokens serve as a form of symbolic currency that individuals can earn through exhibiting desired behaviors. They are typically collected and later exchanged for rewards that reinforce these positive behaviors. The essence of a token economy is to motivate and encourage individuals to engage in appropriate or desired behaviors by offering tangible incentives in the form of rewards.

In this context, the tokens act as a reinforcement tool; when an individual successfully completes a task, follows rules, or demonstrates desired behaviors, they receive tokens that can subsequently be exchanged for various rewards. This could include items such as toys, privileges, or other reinforcers that the individual values, thus strengthening the likelihood of the desired behavior being repeated in the future.

Consequently, while the other options may relate to aspects of behavior management or the broader context of a learning environment, they do not align with the fundamental purpose of a token economy. The primary intent of a token economy system is to utilize tokens as a means for individuals to gain access to rewards, thereby promoting positive behavior change.