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The Effects of Token Economy Menu Manipulations on Token Demand
Sean D Regnier1,2, Mark J Rzeszutek3,2, Haily K Traxler1,2
1Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, U.S.A.
The Psychological Record
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Optimizing token economies involves carefully selecting reinforcers. Larger menus and diverse item types, like activities and tangibles, significantly increase the value of tokens in behavior analysis interventions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Token economies are effective behavior analysis interventions.
- Optimization of token menus (available backup reinforcers) is underexplored.
- Menu size and item type impact token economy effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the effects of token menu size and item type on hypothetical work output.
- To investigate how menu manipulations influence demand intensity and price sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A within-subject experimental survey design was employed.
- Eighty participants completed 12 hypothetical purchase tasks with varying menu sizes (3, 6, 12 items) and types (Food, Activities, Tangibles, Mixed).
- Participants indicated hypothetical widget production at nine fixed-ratio token-production schedules; data analyzed using the exponentiated model of demand and mixed-effects modeling.
Main Results:
- Increasing menu size consistently increased demand intensity.
- Activity, Tangible, and Mixed menus significantly increased demand intensity and price sensitivity compared to Food-only menus.
- Results demonstrate menu size and category diversity enhance token reinforcing value.
Conclusions:
- Menu size and variety are critical factors for optimizing token economies.
- Diversifying reinforcer categories beyond food enhances token value and participant engagement.
- Findings support enhancing token economies through strategic menu design for increased effectiveness.
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