Points Systems

Abstract

During the mid-1960s behaviour modifiers began developing monetary systems, mainly for use within institutional settings, where large-scale behavioural programmes required clearly defined and easily administered procedures to cope with daily behaviour management (Allyon and Azrin, 1968). In more recent years the successful application of these programmes has been demonstrated in the home setting (Christopherson et al., 1972). Points (or tokens) are earned when the child exhibits previously defined behaviours. Later these points (or tokens) are exchanged for previously defined rewards. For example Denis, a io-year-old child, frequently refused to keep his room tidy, continually swore and rarely helped in the house. In attempting to change these behaviours a system was devised whereby he earned points for keeping his room tidy and for helping his mother in the house, and he lost points for swearing. At the end of each day, Denis could exchange the points (which were recorded on a chart) for some basic privileges such as watching television, earning pocket money and being allowed to stay up later at weekends.