Nancy A. Neef, David F. Bicard, Sayaka Endo, Daniel L. Coury, & Michael G. Aman (2005).
Evaluation of pharmacological treatment of impulsivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
38, 135-146.
We used an assessment that involved competing reinforcer dimensions in a
concurrent-schedules arrangement to examine the effects of stimulant
medication on impulsivity (i.e., sensitivity of choices to reinforcer immediacy
relative to rate, quality, and effort) with 4 students with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder. The assessments were administered in the context of
a double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced reversal design. Reinforcer
immediacy was the most influential dimension for 3 of the students and the
second most influential dimension for 1 of the students across placebo and
medication conditions; medication did not affect these sensitivities.
DESCRIPTORS: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, self-control,
impulsivity, methylphenidate, behavioral pharmacology, concurrent
schedules