title: Evaluation of absolute and relative reinforcer value using progressive-ratio schedules.
abstract: We evaluated behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities using progressive-ratio (PR) schedules. High- and low-preference stimuli were determined based on the results of a paired-stimulus preference assessment and were evaluated in subsequent reinforcer and PR assessments using concurrent and single schedules of presentation. In Experiment 1, results showed that for 2 of 3 participants, stimuli determined to be low-preference functioned as reinforcers when evaluated independent of high-preference stimuli. Further, the results from Experiment 2 showed that low-preference stimuli also functioned as reinforcers under gradually increasing PR requirements. Results suggest that for cases in which a high-preference stimulus is unavailable or impractical, the contingent delivery of relatively less preferred stimuli may maintain appropriate behavior, even as schedule requirements increase.
authors.affiliation: University of the Pacific.
authors.forename: Monica T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Francisco
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Borrero
authors.forename: Jolene R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sy
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D014040:Token Economy; D016896:Treatment Outcome