title: Effects of increased response effort and reinforcer delay on choice and aberrant behavior.
abstract: A four-phase investigation was completed to analyze the utility of forced-choice preference assessments when response effort and reinforcer delays are altered within a subsequent reinforcer assessment. The results indicated that access to highly preferred stimuli continued to serve as a reinforcer when increased response effort was required. When reinforcer delay was increased, the utility of preferred stimuli to serve as a reinforcer was variable. Despite stimuli continuing to serve as reinforcers for academic task engagement, increased response effort and reinforcer delay resulted in an increased level of aberrant behavior.
authors.affiliation: Gonzaga University.
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Gwinn
authors.forename: K Mark
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Derby
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kurtz
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fahs
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Augustine
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology