In order to increase reading among the students in her class, Mrs. Gomez, a second-grade teacher, has students record their reading by placing stickers on a large chart. For every 10 stickers, students receive a new book. Mrs. Gomez is using

• A. discriminative stimuli.
• B. classical conditioning.
• C. shaping.
• D. a token economy.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a token economy: A token economy is a system of behavior modification based on the systematic reinforcement of target behavior. The reinforcers are symbols or tokens that can be exchanged for other reinforcers.
2. Identify the behavior Mrs. Gomez wants to increase: In this scenario, Mrs. Gomez wants to increase the amount of reading done by her students.
3. Recognize the use of tokens: Mrs. Gomez uses stickers as tokens. Each time a student reads, they earn a sticker, which is a tangible representation of their behavior.
4. Determine the exchange system: For every 10 stickers (tokens) a student collects, they receive a new book. This exchange system is a key component of a token economy.
5. Connect the scenario to the concept: By using stickers as tokens that can be exchanged for books, Mrs. Gomez is implementing a token economy to encourage reading among her students.