In using a token economy, what is the purpose of pairing token delivery with a social reinforcer?

• A. To confuse learners.
• B. To strengthen the link between token and social approval.
• C. To replace all other rewards.
• D. To be used without any other reinforcement.

Answer: (B)

Pairing token delivery with a social reinforcer helps the token become a true conditioned reinforcer by tying its value to immediate, meaningful social feedback. When praise or attention accompanies earning a token, the learner learns that the behavior not only produces a token but also earns social approval. This strengthens the association between the behavior and positive consequences, making the token more motivating and effective for sustaining the desired behavior. With this link established, tokens can later be exchanged for backup rewards, but their reinforcing power depends on that immediate social signal. Without the pairing, tokens can feel arbitrary and less reliable as motivators.