Comparative Effect of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Token Economy on Junior Secondary School Sudents’ Performance in Basic Science in Lagos State

Abstract

The study compared the effectiveness of two (2) counselling techniques namely rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) and Token Economy (TE) in enhancing junior secondary student performance in Basic Science. One hundred and eighty (180) JSS II students were drawn as sample from both public and private schools. Two (2) research instruments were used. These include attitude to basic science scale (ATBS) and Basic Science test (BST). Three (3) hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The students were counselled for a period of six (6) weeks and Tokens were administered whenever positive behaviour was exhibited. Such behaviours as asking and answering question in class, paying attention, jotting down notes during class and doing homework and assignment and submitting same in time. The tests were administered before and after the counselling/teaching session. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the data obtained Two hypotheses were not retained while one was retained. Findings revealed that 43% of group exposed to token Economy performed better than 36% of REBT group after treatment. Based on the findings it was recommended that token economy school should be entrenched in the teaching and learning process for students who have negative concept about science to facilitate their interest, improve their attitude in order for them to perform belter.

Key Words: Rational Emotion Behaviour therapy (REBT), Token Economy (T E), students’ performance, Basic Science.