Gregory P. Hanley, Brian A. Iwata, & Eileen M. Roscoe. (2006)
Some determinants of changes in preference over time.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
39, 189-202.
Results of longitudinal studies suggest that the stability of preferences
varies across individuals, although it is unclear what variables account
for these differences. We extended this work by conducting periodic assessments
of preference for leisure activities over 3 to 6 months with 10 adults with
developmental disabilities. Although previous research has collectively shown
that preferences identified via repeated assessment are highly variable, our
results showed that preferences were relatively stable for the majority (80%)
of participants. In an attempt to identify some environmental determinants of
shifts in preference, we provided extended daily access to high-preference items
(preference-weakening manipulation) and paired access to low-preference items
with social and edible putative reinforcers during brief sessions
(preference-strengthening manipulation). Preference assessments continued
over the course of these manipulations with 2 participants. Results showed
that changes in preference across time could be produced systematically and
suggest that naturally occurring changes in establishing operations or
conditioning histories contribute to temporal shifts in preference.
Implications for preference assessments, reinforcer usage, and planned
attempts to change preferences are discussed.
DESCRIPTORS: conditioning, developmental disabilities, imposed variability, longitudinal assessment, preference assessment, preference stability, satiation