In Higgins et al's token economy study for cocaine addicts, what was the reinforcing mechanism?

In Higgins et al's token economy study for cocaine addicts, what was the reinforcing mechanism?

• A. Vouchers earned for clean urine tests to spend on goods.
• B. Verbal praise only.
• C. Time off from treatment.
• D. Medication substitution.

Answer: (A)

This item tests how token economies use contingent reinforcement to shape behavior. In Higgins et al, the reinforcing mechanism was the use of vouchers (tokens) earned for verified abstinence, such as clean urine tests, which could be exchanged for goods. The tokens provide immediate, tangible rewards for a desirable behavior, strengthening that behavior through operant conditioning. The vouchers act as a secondary reinforcer that motivates staying abstinent because they lead to valued rewards right away. Verbal praise alone is weaker and less motivating than a tangible, exchangeable reward; time off from treatment isn’t a reinforcing incentive used in this setup, and medication substitution wasn’t part of the study.

This item tests how token economies use contingent reinforcement to shape behavior. In Higgins et al, the reinforcing mechanism was the use of vouchers (tokens) earned for verified abstinence, such as clean urine tests, which could be exchanged for goods. The tokens provide immediate, tangible rewards for a desirable behavior, strengthening that behavior through operant conditioning. The vouchers act as a secondary reinforcer that motivates staying abstinent because they lead to valued rewards right away. Verbal praise alone is weaker and less motivating than a tangible, exchangeable reward; time off from treatment isn’t a reinforcing incentive used in this setup, and medication substitution wasn’t part of the study.