token economy

This term originates from behavioral psychology and is primarily used in clinical, educational, and institutional settings. It describes a structured reinforcement system where symbolic rewards act as intermediaries between a desired action and a tangible prize. The focus is on the predictability and consistency of the reward schedule to shape specific habits.

In practice, the term is used technically rather than colloquially. While it shares a linguistic root with economic systems, it refers specifically to a psychological tool for behavior modification. It is often contrasted with "natural reinforcement," where the reward is an inherent result of the action rather than an external token.