title: A comprehensive evaluation of reinforcer identification processes for persons with profound multiple handicaps.
abstract: We evaluated comprehensively a preference assessment for identifying reinforcers for persons with profound multiple handicaps. Four experiments were conducted involving 18 individuals. Results of Experiment 1 replicated previous findings in that the assessment identified student preferences for respective stimuli, and caregiver opinion of preferences did not coincide with the systematic assessment. Results of Experiment 2 indicated highly preferred stimuli were likely to function as reinforcers in training programs, whereas stimuli not highly preferred did not function as reinforcers. Results of Experiment 3 suggested the 12 stimuli used in the assessment represented a comprehensive stimulus set for identifying preferences, although the utility of the set sometimes could be enhanced by caregiver opinion. Results of Experiment 4 indicated the assessment identified preferences likely to be maintained over time. Overall, results are discussed in terms of identifying limits and alternatives to a behavioral teaching technology when applied to persons with profound multiple handicaps.
authors.affiliation: Western Carolina Center, Morganton, North Carolina 28655.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Canipe
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gardner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology