title: Using a choice assessment to predict reinforcer effectiveness.
abstract: A choice assessment has been found to be a more accurate method of identifying preferences than is single-item presentation. However, it is not clear whether the effectiveness of reinforcement varies positively with the degree of preference (i.e., whether the relative preference based on the results of a choice assessment predicts relative reinforcer effectiveness). In the current study, we attempted to address this question by categorizing stimuli as high, middle, and low preference based on the results of a choice assessment, and then comparing the reinforcing effectiveness of these stimuli using a concurrent operants paradigm. High-preference stimuli consistently functioned as reinforcers for all 4 clients. Middle-preference stimuli functioned as reinforcers for 2 clients, but only when compared with low-preference stimuli. Low-preference stimuli did not function as reinforcers when compared to high- and middle-preference stimuli. These results suggest that a choice assessment can be used to predict the relative reinforcing value of various stimuli, which, in turn, may help to improve programs for clients with severe to profound disabilities.
authors.affiliation: Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Piazza
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Hagopian
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Bowman
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Toole
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010343:Patient Admission; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D014040:Token Economy; D016896:Treatment Outcome