2 Preference Assessments Free Online FlashCards

What is a preference assessment?

A structured way to identify items or activities a person is more likely to choose or engage with under particular conditions.

Does choosing an item prove it is a reinforcer?

Choosing an item suggests it may be preferred, but does not prove it will reinforce a specific behavior. Test its effect on behavior in the relevant setting.

How can an assessment make choosing accessible?

Accept the person’s reliable way of choosing, such as looking, pointing, signing, or using a communication device. Ensure the options are visible and accessible.

What safeguards should guide an assessment?

Use options that are available, safe, and appropriate. Do not force a selection, ignore refusal, or withhold needed items to increase choosing.

How does a paired-stimulus assessment work?

Present two options at a time and allow a choice. Across the assessment, pair every option with every other option and counterbalance left–right positions.

How is a paired-stimulus selection percentage calculated?

Calculate the option’s selections divided by the presentations in which it was available, then multiply by $100\%$.

How many distinct pairs are needed for $n$ options?

A complete set has $\frac{n(n-1)}{2}$ distinct pairs, where $n$ is the number of options.

What happens to a selected option in MSW?

In multiple stimulus with replacement, return the selected option to the array after planned access, allowing it to be chosen again.

What happens to a selected option in MSWO?

In MSWO, remove the selected option after planned access and rearrange the remaining options before the next choice.

What distinguishes a free-operant assessment?

Make several options available and let the person engage freely during a defined observation period. Do not require a choice on each trial or remove an option just because it was selected.

What is commonly measured in a free-operant assessment?

Record engagement with each option, commonly as duration, and compare the results.

How should selection order in an MSWO be interpreted?

Earlier selections indicate higher relative preference within that session; later choices come from a smaller set of options.