title: Preference and reinforcer efficacy of high- and low-tech items: A comparison of item type and duration of access.
abstract: This study examined the interactions of stimulus type (high- vs. low-tech) and magnitude (duration of access) on preference and reinforcer efficacy. Two preference assessments were conducted to identify highly preferred high-tech and low-tech items for each participant. A subsequent assessment examined preference for those items when provided at 30-s and 600-s durations. We then evaluated reinforcer efficacy for those same items when provided for a range of durations using progressive-ratio schedules. Results suggested item type and access duration interacted to influence preference and reinforcer efficacy. Participants preferred high-tech items at longer durations of access and engaged in more responding when the high-tech item was provided for long durations, but these patterns were reversed for the low-tech item. In addition, participants engaged in less responding when the high-tech item was provided for short durations and when the low-tech item was provided for long durations.
authors.affiliation: Utah State University.
authors.forename: Audrey N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida.
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Samaha
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida.
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Bloom
authors.affiliation: Missouri State University.
authors.forename: Megan A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Boyle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D059015:Wireless Technology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: duration; high-tech stimuli; preference; progressive ratio; reinforcer magnitude