Chapter 26: Contingency Contracting, Token Economy, and Group Contingencies Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract AKA: Behavioral Contract Definition: A document that specifies a contingent relationship between The completion of a specific behavior and Access to a specified reinforcer Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract Components Description of the task Who will perform the task/receive reward What is the task to be performed When the task must be completed How well the task must be completed Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract Components Reward Who will judge task completion What is the reward When the reward will be delivered How much of the reward the person will receive Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract Components Task Record A place to record progress Sets occasion for regular review of the contract Helps individual remain focused and gives feedback on performance Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract How do they work? Typically a package that involves: Reinforcement Rules Response prompting Can even be a self-contract Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract Steps to developing one Hold a meeting to discuss how contracts work, goals, etc. Identify tasks individuals can and already do perform Identify potential contracting tasks Identify potential rewards Write the contract Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract Things to consider Is the behavior already in the learner’s repertoire? Does the behavior result in a permanent product? What is the reading ability of the learner? Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Contingency Contract Evaluating Contracts Focus on the objective measure of the target behavior Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Definition A behavior change system with three major components Specified list of behaviors to reinforce Tokens or points for emitting those behaviors A menu of back-up reinforcers for which the learner can exchange tokens/points (Effectiveness of tokens as reinforcers depends upon the power of the back-up reinforcers) Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Designing a Token Economy Select tokens Identify target behaviors/rules Select menu of back-up reinforcers Establish ratio exchange Specify when/how tokens will be dispensed and exchanged Field test Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Select Tokens Washers, checkers, coupons, poker chips, tally marks, holes punched in cards… Considerations Safe Control counterfeiting and bootlegging Durable Accessible Cheap Token should not be a desirable object Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Identify Target Behaviors and Rules (see Ch. 3) Select measurable/observable behaviors Specify criteria for task completion Start with a small number of behaviors Ensure learners possess prerequisite skills It is okay to individualize…rules don’t have to be the same for everybody Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Select a Menu of Back-up Reinforcers Use naturally-occurring activities when possible Privileges Tangibles and edibles can be used as well Follow ethical and legal rules Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Establish a Ratio of Exchange Procedure for Dispensation Initial ratio should be small After that, adjust ratio for maintenance Procedure for Dispensation May need storage containers Procedure for Exchange Usually a “store” of some sort Initially, have store open frequently Over time, this can be more intermittent Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Field Test the System Tally tokens you would have given without actually giving them Analyze data to determine if the system seems appropriate Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Tips Avoiding “Battles” Response cost included? Be matter of fact when learners don’t earn tokens; don’t nag Stay neutral; avoid confrontation about tokens Response cost included? Most do include response cost Learners need to be aware of behaviors resulting in response cost/procedures Make the cost fit the severity of behavior Avoid having learners go “in the hole” Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Implementation Initial training Ongoing training Describe the procedure to learners Model the procedure for token delivery Model the procedure for token exchange Ongoing training Booster sessions may be needed occasionally Management issues Teach students how/where to store tokens (secure location) Discourage hoarding and encourage savings in some students Chronic rule breakers deserve special consideration Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Implementation Withdrawing the token economy Plan for maintenance and generalization Pair tokens with social approval Gradually increase number of responses required to earn tokens Gradually decrease length of time it is in place Gradually increase number of “natural” reinforcers and fade out use of contrived reinforcers Systematically increase price of more desirable items Fade physical evidence of token over time Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Token Economy Considerations Can be intrusive and difficult to implement Can be cumbersome Can be so rewarding to interventionist that he/she doesn’t want to remove it Ensure it doesn’t run counter to Federal mandates Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Group Contingencies Definition A common consequence is contingent on the behavior of An individual member of the group, Part of the group, or Everyone in the group Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Group Contingencies Rationale Can be a time saver Can be more practical Capitalizes on peer influence and peer monitoring (can also be potentially harmful) Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Group Contingencies Applications Independent group contingency A contingency is presented to all members of a group, but reinforcement is only delivered to those individuals who meet the criterion outlined in the contingency Often combined with contracts or token systems Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Group Contingencies Applications Dependent group contingency, AKA “Hero Procedure” The reinforcer for the group is dependent on the performance of an individual student or small group of students Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Group Contingencies Applications Interdependent group contingency All of the individuals in a group must meet the criterion of the contingency before any member earns reinforcement Total group meets criterion Group average meets criterion Good Behavior/Good Student games (competitions) Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition

Group Contingencies Implementation Choose a powerful reinforcer Determine the behavior to change and collateral behaviors that might be affected Set appropriate performance criteria Combine with other procedures Select the most appropriate group contingency Monitor individual and group performance Cooper, Heron, and Heward Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition