Monica T. Francisco, John C. Borrero, & Jolene R. Sy.
Evaluation of absolute and relative reinforcer value using progressive-ratio schedules.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2008,
41, 189-202.
We evaluated behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities
using progressive-ratio (PR) schedules. High- and low-preference stimuli
were determined based on the results of a paired-stimulus preference
assessment and were evaluated in subsequent reinforcer and PR assessments
using concurrent and single schedules of presentation. In Experiment 1,
results showed that for 2 of 3 participants, stimuli determined to be
low-preference functioned as reinforcers when evaluated independent of
high-preference stimuli. Further, the results from Experiment 2 showed
that low-preference stimuli also functioned as reinforcers under gradually
increasing PR requirements. Results suggest that for cases in which a
high-preference stimulus is unavailable or impractical, the contingent
delivery of relatively less preferred stimuli may maintain appropriate
behavior, even as schedule requirements increase.
DESCRIPTORS: break point, choice, preference assessment,
progressive-ratio schedules, reinforcer assessment