Michael E. Kelley, Wayne W. Fisher, Joanna E. Lomas, & Roy Q. Sanders. (2006) Some effects of stimulant medication onresponse allocation: A double-blind analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, 243-247.

Children who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or who engage in behavior consistent with such a diagnosis) are often prescribed stimulant medications for hyperactive or inattentive behaviors. However, the mechanisms by which stimulant medications affect individuals’ behavior are rarely evaluated. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of stimulant medication on response allocation when antecedents and consequences were held constant and equated. Results indicated that the presence of an amphetamine medication (Adderall®) influenced response allocation across two concurrently available responses while all other stimulus conditions were held constant.

DESCRIPTORS: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental disabilities, response allocation, stimulant medication