*Operant Selection Review
-Process of repeated cycles of behavioral variability & modification of Bx by the env over the course of an individual’s lifetime
*Reinforcement Review
-An Env change that follows a response closely in time, is contingent on that response & increases the probability of similar responses under similar circumstances
*Positive Reinfrocement Review
-An env change in which as Appetitive Stimulus is added (presented) or magnified following a response, contingent on that response, that increases on that response, that increases the probability of similar responses under similar circumstances
*Appetitive Stimuli Review
*Reinforcer Identification
2 steps
2. Reinforcer assessment
Preference Assessment (PA)
Preference Assessment Purpose
* Prediction: Higher preference stimuli —> More likely to function as effective reinforcers
Reinforcer Assessment Preview
*Variety of techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of stimulus as a reinforcer
Preference Assessment History
“Arbitrary” to topographical select
*No way to predict reinforcer efficacy
In a stimulus preference assessment we are trying to identify stimuli of this type:
a. Appetitive
b. Aversive
c. Positive
d. Neutral
a. Appetitive
In teaching new or replacement skills, behavior analysts often use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement requires the use of stimuli described as “appetitive.” A preference assessment helps us identify these type of stimuli.
The purpose of stimulus preference assessments is to identify:
a. Preferred stimuli
b. Reinforcers
c. Both of these
a. Preference stimuli
2 Preliminary Assessment Categories
* Direct naturalistic observation (duration-based)
Indirect Preference Assessment
*Informant-based assessment that provides info about an individual’s preference for tangible items and/ or activities
Indirect Preference Assessment methods
Indirect Preference Assessment Example
Indirect preference assessments are __________-based assessments that provide information about an individual’s ___________ for tangible items and/or activities.
- Preference
Which of these is NOT a type of indirect preference assessment?
a. Checklists
b. Rating scales
c. Verbal self-reports
d. All of these are types
d. All of these are types
Interviews and questionnaires can be conducted as:
a. Self-report
b. Caregiver nomination
c. Both
c. Both
An indirect preference assessment should also identify items that the client or caregiver would prefer NOT to use in treatment.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Indirect Preference Assessment Advantages
-Simple
-Efficient
-Narrows the field
‘May improve efficiency down the line
-Can give info about ecological fit
Indirect Preference Assessment Limitations
Indirect Preference Assessment Conclusions
- Shown be used as a First step!
The best use of indirect preference assessments is:
a. To determine what to use as reinforcers
b. To identify a caregiver’s preferences
c. As a first step in the identification of preferred items
d. All of these are correct
c. As a first step in the identification of preferred items
Premack Principle Preview
“States that making the opportunity to engage in a bx that occurs at a relatively high free operant (or baseline) rate contingent on the occurrence of low-fro bx will function as RX for the low-occurrence Bx”