Hoch, H., McComas, J. J., Johnson, L., Faranda, N., & Guenther, S. L. (2002).
The effects of magnitude and quality of reinforcement on choice responding during play activities.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
35, 171-181.
Three boys with autism participated in a study of the effects of
magnitude and quality of reinforcement on choice responding. Two
concurrent response alternatives were arranged: (a) to play in an
area where a peer or sibling was located, or (b) to play in an
area where there was no peer or sibling. During one condition,
the magnitude (i.e., duration of access to toys) or quality
(level of preference) of reinforcement provided for both
responses was equal. During the other condition, the magnitude or
quality of reinforcement was relatively greater for choosing the
play area where the peer or sibling was located than the area
where the peer or sibling was not located. Results showed that
after repeated exposure to the unequal magnitude or quality
condition, the participant increasingly allocated his responses
to the play area where the peer or sibling was located. For 2
participants, this pattern of responding was maintained in the
subsequent equal magnitude or quality condition. Overall, the
analysis suggests that the dimensions of magnitude and quality of
reinforcement can be arranged to influence choice responding in
favor of playing near a peer or sibling rather than playing
alone.
DESCRIPTORS: _reinforcer magnitude, quality, concurrent schedules,
response allocation, choice responding, autism