Response Cost
Also called: fine, token loss
Definition
A negative-punishment procedure in which a set amount of a reinforcer already possessed — tokens, points, minutes of an activity — is removed following a behavior. It is usually built into a token economy. Removing more than the person has, or removing so much that earning stops being worthwhile, defeats it.
In plain language
Losing something already earned, like a token or points, after a behavior. A fine.
Example
A student loses one of their five tokens each time they leave their seat without permission.
Not response cost
A student sitting apart from the group for two minutes. Losing the chance to earn, rather than losing what was earned, is time-out.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- kazdin-1977-token
- azrin-holz-1966
Written from Kazdin (1977) and Azrin and Holz (1966). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.