The Case of Mrs. Riley
Not what you're looking for?
Case 2: The Case of Mrs. Riley
This is Mrs. Riley. She has just been asked to take over a class of third graders who are very energetic and have tried the patience of many teachers. In fact, Mrs. Riley is the third teacher to take over the class this year and it is only November! These students are not only unruly but most of them did not earn passing marks on their most recent state administered exam of basic skills. Mrs. Riley thinks these poor scores were due to class time lost to constant disruption. The major behavior challenges in the class are, fighting, yelling out answers/questions, not staying seated during work time, and failure to complete in class assignments. Mrs. Riley contacted an ABA professional to design some effective behavior modification methods that would help the children settle down and be able to better focus on learning. The behaviorist recommended a token economy system in which Mrs. Riley would contract with the students on desired behaviors. Each student that makes it through the day without any behavior incidents will get a penny. Friday afternoons will be "store" time. The students will be able to trade their pennies in for different prizes. Some will be tangible items such as pieces of candy. Others will be privileges such as a week without homework. Students can "spend" their pennies each week or save up to buy bigger items like a day with early dismissal from school.
1. Discuss the rationale for the behaviorist's recommendation of a token economy system to help Mrs. Riley with her class.
2. Explain the six steps in forming a token economy and the rationale for each step. 3. Discuss the role of tokens and back-up reinforcers in the token economy system. How does each work to modify behavior? Using the case study, identify the token and back-up reinforcer.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
Discusses the six steps to forming a token economy system developed by B.F. Skinner, and what a token economy system entails.
Solution Preview
Where did the theory of Token economy system come from? B.F. Skinner worked to determine how using reinforcement or rewards could change voluntary behavior by the use of operant conditioning principles (1).
The token economy system, also known as the token reward system, is one of the most powerful and data-based procedures that can be used to improve behaviors in the classroom. These types of reward systems are usually effective with various grade levels, and with both academic and social behaviors. This system involves using rules and earning tokens or losing tokens, based on following those rules. Token economy systems are used to increase the desirable behavior and decrease the undesirable behavior (2).
Token systems can be used for groups of individuals, entire classrooms, or even for an individual student. It is important to have a very specific type of behavior you want to improve on, such as turning in work on time, staying in their seats, raising hands to speak, or not running in the ...
Education
- MS,
- MA Education (Family and Community Services), Ashford University
- B.A., Ashford University
- A.S., Oklahoma State University
Recent Feedback
- "Thank you! I will look these up to read for my paper. Thank you for your guidance."
- "Thank you Denise! Very helpful! :) Be safe. "
- "Thank you"
- "Thank you"
- "Thank you"
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Sigmund Freud
How much do you know about Sigmund Freud's theories? Find out with this quiz!
Health Psychology
This quiz speaks to the general concepts, themes, and terminology associated with the field of health psychology.
Can you name these types of cognitive distortions?
In each mini-scenario, can you identify the type of cognitive distortion being displayed? All of us are subject to cognitive errors, biases, and distortions throughout our daily lives.
Perspectives of Psychology
A review of main theoretical perspectives and those most closely associated with them
Brain and behaviour
Reviews areas of the brain involved in specific behaviours. This information is important for introductory psychology courses.