ABSTRACT
Response cost is a negative punishment intervention that is often implemented in daily life through the use of fines or loss of privileges following an undesired behaviour. In classrooms, teachers most often utilise response cost through the use of token economy systems. While the basic concept of response cost may be familiar, in order to use it and gain the desired behaviour change, individuals should be aware of the factors that can influence the effectiveness of response cost as an intervention, such as the magnitude of the cost, the immediacy of the fines, the store of reinforcers held by individuals, maintaining records, and preparing for the unexpected. Finally, as with any punishment procedure, response cost can yield undesired side effects and before implementation, the possibility of these side effects must be considered and weighed.
