In a token economy, what are the three central components?

• A. Back-Up Reinforcer, Target Behavior, Tokens
• B. Target Behavior, Tokens, Back-Up Reinforcer
• C. Tokens, Back-Up Reinforcer, Target Behavior
• D. Shaping, Social Reinforcement, Immediacy

Answer: (C)

A token economy rests on three key elements: the target behaviors that are being reinforced, the tokens that serve as a collectible currency for those behaviors, and the back-up reinforcers that tokens can be exchanged for. Define exactly which behaviors earn a token, award tokens immediately when those behaviors occur, and provide a set of preferred items or activities that tokens can be traded for. This structure creates a tangible, scalable system that links specific actions to concrete rewards over time, sustaining motivation and allowing gradual reinforcement adjustments.

The other options mix in techniques or features that can accompany a token system but aren’t the three essential components: shaping is a teaching method, social reinforcement is one form of reinforcement, and immediacy refers to timing rather than a core element of the framework.