Which feature refers to giving a token now for a reward later?

• A. Back-Up Reinforcer
• B. Shaping
• C. Planning Ahead
• D. Immediacy of Reinforcement

Answer: (D)

Immediacy of reinforcement is the feature at play when a token is given immediately after a target behavior, with the actual reward delivered later after exchanging tokens for a backup reinforcer. The token serves as a immediate, conditioned reinforcer that strengthens the behavior right away, while the desirable reward is postponed to a later exchange. This separation helps maintain motivation and behavior change because the immediate signal (the token) reinforces the behavior right when it occurs, even though the tangible reward comes later.

The backup reinforcer is the actual reward obtained after exchanging tokens, not the immediate action of giving the token itself. Shaping is a separate technique involving reinforcing closer and closer approximations to a desired behavior. Planning Ahead isn’t a standard term here.