Abstract
Tokens were given to university students in two separate experiments for participation in small group discussions. In the first experiment a multiple baseline design was used with two small groups in an educational psychology class. In the second, 10 small groups were assessed on group participation without and with a token condition. Results of the first experiment were inconclusive though favorable; the second experiment resulted in a significant difference (t=15.41; P<.001, df=77) in group participation when tokens were delivered contingent upon group participation. The results indicate that token technology can be an effective technique to increase small group participation when a variety of back-up reinforcers is offered. The results are discussed in terms of possible applications of token technology within a university setting.
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Sherman, T.M., Smith, B.V. Application of behavioral technology to small group discussion with university students. Instr Sci 5, 93–105 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120233
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120233