On the correspondence between preference assessment outcomes and progressive-ratio schedule assessments of stimulus value.
The current study examined whether stimuli of different preference levels would be associated with different amounts of work maintained by the stimuli, as determined through progressive-ratio schedule break points. Using a paired-choice preference assessment, stimuli were classified as high, moderate, or low preference for 4 individuals with developmental disabilities. The stimuli were then tested three times each using a progressive-ratio schedule (step size of 1; the break-point criterion was 1 min). In 10 of 12 possible comparisons, higher preference stimuli produced larger break points than did lower preference stimuli.
DeLeon
Iser G
IG
Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. deleon@kennedykrieger.org
Frank
Michelle A
MA
Gregory
Meagan K
MK
Allman
Melissa J
MJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001245:Association Learning / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D055815:Young Adult