Northup, J., Fusilier, I., Swanson, V., Roane, H., & Borrero, J. (1997).
An evaluation of methylphenidate as a potential establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
30, 615-625.
We conducted reinforcer assessments for 3 boys with a diagnosis
of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who alternately
received either placebo or previously prescribed methylphenidate.
Our purpose was to evaluate whether methylphenidate altered the
relative reinforcing effectiveness of various stimuli that are
often used in classroom-based behavioral treatment programs
(e.g., activities, tangible items). Results showed clear
differences for some stimuli between reinforcer assessments
conducted when participants had received methylphenidate compared
to placebo. Results suggest that methylphenidate might act as an
establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers.
Implications for the development and evaluation of behavioral
treatments are discussed.
DESCRIPTORS: reinforcer assessment, methylphenidate, attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, establishing operations