In the context of behaviorism, what is one of the most important components of a token economy?

• A. Allowing participants to choose their own rules
• B. Punishing undesirable behaviors with time-outs
• C. Tokens that can be exchanged for desired rewards or privileges
• D. Using only verbal praise as reinforcement

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a token economy is a behavior modification system based on behaviorist principles, where tokens are used as conditioned reinforcers.
2. Recognize that tokens themselves have no intrinsic value but gain reinforcing power because they can be exchanged for meaningful rewards or privileges.
3. Identify that the key component of a token economy is the use of these tokens as a form of secondary reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors.
4. Note that while other methods like time-outs or verbal praise can be part of behavior management, they are not the defining feature of a token economy.
5. Conclude that the most important component is the presence of tokens that participants can earn and later exchange for desired rewards, which motivates behavior change.