Jennifer L. Bruzek & Rachel H. Thompson (2007).
Antecedent effects of observing peer play.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
40, 327-331.
The relative reinforcing value of toys was assessed in the absence of, and immediately following,
participant observation of a peer manipulating one of the materials toys. Preference assessments
were used to identify preference hierarchies. Reinforcer assessments were conducted
with athe most high-preferred preference item, a low-preference the least preferred item,
and a control. Each participant allocated responding toward the high-preference item during baseline.
When reinforcer assessment sessions were preceded by a peer observation period, 3 of the 4 participants
shifted allocation to the toy manipulated by the peer. The 4th participant only shifted allocation only when
the high-preference stimulus was replaced with a medium-preference item stimulus. These data suggest that,
among preschoolers, response allocation is influenced by observations of peers playing.
DESCRIPTORS: motivating operations, imitation, peer modeling, reinforcer assessment