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Analysis of activity preferences as a function of differential consequences
G P Hanley1, B A Iwata, J S Lindberg
1Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 21, 2000
Summary
Individuals with developmental disabilities can learn to express preferences for activities when choices have clear consequences. Providing reinforcement for less preferred activities can shift preferences, improving choice-making skills.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Individuals with developmental disabilities often struggle to express preferences for future activities without immediate reinforcement.
- Verbal communication limitations can hinder the expression of meaningful choice.
Observation:
- Initial assessments showed no clear preferences among individuals with developmental disabilities when presented with pictorial activity choices.
- Providing brief access to depicted activities upon selection led to the emergence of clear preferences.
Findings:
- Differential reinforcement (access to chosen activities) established clear preference indications.
- Additional reinforcement contingencies successfully shifted preferences towards more socially desirable activities.
Implications:
- Choice-making can be enhanced by establishing clear, differential consequences for selections.
- Understanding the conditions that support preference expression is crucial for improving decision-making skills in individuals with disabilities.
- Interventions can be designed to foster preference expression without restricting access to desired activities.