Piazza, C. C., Fisher, W. W., Hagopian, L. P., Bowman, L. G., & Toole, L. (1996).
Using a choice assessment to predict reinforcer effectiveness.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
29, 1-9.
A choice assessment has been found to be a more accurate method
of identifying preferences than is single-item presentation.
However, it is not clear whether the effectiveness of
reinforcement varies positively with the degree of preference
(i.e., whether the relative preference based on the results of a
choice assessment predicts relative reinforcer effectiveness). In
the current study, we attempted to address this question by
categorizing stimuli as high, middle, and low preference based on
the results of a choice assessment, and then comparing the
reinforcing effectiveness of these stimuli using a concurrent
operants paradigm. High-preference stimuli consistently
functioned as reinforcers for all 4 clients. Middle-preference
stimuli functioned as reinforcers for 2 clients, but only when
compared with low-preference stimuli. Low-preference stimuli did
not function as reinforcers when compared to high- and
middle-preference stimuli. These results suggest that a choice
assessment can be used to predict the relative reinforcing value
of various stimuli, which, in turn, may help to improve programs
for clients with severe to profound disabilities.
DESCRIPTORS: assessment, concurrent operants, predictive validity,
reinforcer preference,developmental disabilities