Relative predictive validity of preference assessment types for leisure engagement during unstructured downtime

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2020

First Committee Member

Bancroft, Stacie

Second Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Third Committee Member

Roscoe, Eileen

Abstract

"Preference assessments are typically implemented to identify stimuli that function as reinforcers for other responses. In leisure repertoire development, preference assessments may also be used to identify stimuli that the client is likely to engage with appropriately for sustained periods. We compared outcomes of four types of preference assessments and evaluated the predictive validity of each type for identifying reinforcers versus identifying activities the client will have sustained and appropriate engagement with during unstructured downtime. Participants included two children with ASD between 8 and 20 who attend a residential school for children with autism. We first implemented three iterations of four preference assessment types; the paired stimulus (PS), multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO), free operant (FO) and brief version of a response restriction (BRR). We then implemented a progressive ratio (PR) assessment and an extended free operant assessment (EFO) to test for generality of preference in different contexts. The PS and BRR assessments were the best predictors of stimuli with high reinforcing value, whereas the BRR assessment was the best predictor of stimuli that occasion sustained engagement."

This document is available upon request to Western New England University faculty, students, and staff. Please contact D'Amour Library at for access.

Share

COinS