title: Assessing preference for social interactions.
abstract: We examined a procedure to assess preference for social interactions in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Preferences were identified in five individuals using a paired-choice procedure in which participants approached therapists who provided different forms of social interactions. A subsequent tracking test showed that participants' approaches were under control of the form of social interaction provided as opposed to idiosyncratic features of the therapists. Results of a reinforcer assessment found that the social interaction identified as preferred also functioned as a reinforcer for all five participants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-2810, United States.
authors.forename: Casey J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Clay
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Samaha
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Bloom
authors.forename: Bistra K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Bogoev
authors.forename: Megan A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Boyle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior