title: Evaluation of assessment methods for identifying social reinforcers.
abstract: Although researchers have evaluated assessment methods for identifying preferred tangible and edible items for children with developmental disabilities, few have evaluated assessment methods for identifying preferred topographies of attention. In the current study, indirect and direct assessments were conducted to identify 7 topographies of attention to include in subsequent preference and reinforcer assessments. Two different assessment formats were evaluated until reliable results were achieved with 1 of them. In both formats, a therapist presented photos that depicted the topographies of attention included in the stimulus array, and a control card (resulting in no consequence) was included. After evaluation of the 2 formats, a reinforcer assessment was conducted with a socially relevant target behavior (i.e., mands) to determine the predictive validity of the preference assessments.
authors.affiliation: Western New England University and the New England Center for Children.
authors.forename: Maureen A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Eileen M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Roscoe
authors.forename: Gregory P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Hanley
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schlichenmeyer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior
keywords: attention; autism; preference assessment; reinforcer assessment; social reinforcers