When implementing a token economy, what should be monitored closely?

Monitoring the preferences of the learner is crucial when implementing a token economy because the effectiveness of this system hinges on the meaningfulness of the reinforcers used. Tokens are intended to motivate and encourage positive behavior by offering rewards that the learner values. If the tokens can be exchanged for items or activities that do not align with the learner’s interests, the entire system may lose its effectiveness, leading to decreased motivation and engagement.

Understanding what the learner prefers helps in selecting appropriate reinforcers that will effectively encourage desired behaviors. This ensures the token economy remains responsive to the learner’s needs and increases the likelihood of success in behavior modification. Without closely tracking these preferences, the risk is high that the tokens may not hold value for the learner, undermining the incentive structure.

In contrast, while monitoring the number of tokens handed out, how quickly they are exchanged, and all the behaviors displayed by the learner is also important for overall management of the token economy, these components do not directly address the learner's individual motivation and engagement levels, which are pivotal for the system's success.