title: A novel method for testing learning and preferences in people with minimal motor movement.
abstract: Ten individuals with profound multiple impairments were given novel tests for learning and preference with adaptive switches and leisure-oriented devices, such as audio tape players. Typically, tests for learning include a baseline or extinction component in which the adaptive switch and device are not connected as a control for incidental or involuntary switch use. As an alternative, conditions were compared in sets of six sessions each in which switch closure caused (a) Activation of a device, (b) Deactivation of an already operating device, and (c) Deactivation of one of two devices and Activation of the other (Two-Choice). Changes in behavior indicative of learning were observed in eight participants in Activation-Deactivation conditions. The Two-Choice Condition produced indices of learning that also showed a preference for one device over the other with five participants. The preferences observed in the Two-Choice Condition had not been seen in the Activation or Deactivation Condition data. People with profound multiple impairments evinced leisure-device preferences, but such preferences may not lead to differential responding across opportunities with only one device at a time.
authors.affiliation: University of Kansas, USA. msaundrs@ku.edu
authors.forename: Muriel D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Richard R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Akalu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mulugeta
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Terri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kedziorski
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hekker
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003657:Decision Making; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life