Preference stability across assessment methods and stimulus arrays

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2019

First Committee Member

Gould, Daniel

Second Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Third Committee Member

Karsina, Allen

Abstract

"Identifying preferred items is an important aspect of education and treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Previous research has investigated how preference for a particular item is subject to change, which can ultimately affect the reinforcing value of that item. The purpose of the current study was to determine the extent to which participants' preferences shift across two preference assessment methods and two categories of stimuli. We did not find any discernable differences between correlation coefficients across assessment type or stimulus array, contradicting the assertion that assessments using edible stimuli yield more stability. Given the idiosyncratic results obtained across participants, it is important for clinicians and therapists to conduct frequent preference assessments to ensure they are identifying motivating items for their clients."

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