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A comprehensive evaluation of reinforcer identification processes for persons with profound multiple handicaps
C W Green1, D H Reid, V S Canipe
1Western Carolina Center, Morganton, North Carolina 28655.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This study found that a systematic preference assessment effectively identifies reinforcers for individuals with profound multiple handicaps, unlike caregiver opinions alone. Highly preferred items reliably function as reinforcers in training programs.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Identifying effective reinforcers is crucial for individuals with profound multiple handicaps.
- Previous methods for identifying preferences have shown limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively evaluate a preference assessment for identifying reinforcers.
- To compare systematic assessment results with caregiver opinions.
- To determine the efficacy of identified preferences in behavioral training.
Main Methods:
- Conducted four experiments with 18 individuals with profound multiple handicaps.
- Utilized a systematic preference assessment with a set of 12 stimuli.
- Compared assessment results with caregiver opinions.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of identified high-preference stimuli as reinforcers in training programs.
Main Results:
- The preference assessment accurately identified student preferences, which often differed from caregiver opinions.
- Highly preferred stimuli functioned as effective reinforcers, while less preferred stimuli did not.
- The 12-stimulus set was comprehensive, though caregiver input could sometimes enhance its utility.
- Identified preferences were likely to be maintained over time.
Conclusions:
- A systematic preference assessment is a valuable tool for identifying effective reinforcers for individuals with profound multiple handicaps.
- Caregiver opinion alone is insufficient for identifying effective reinforcers.
- The findings support the use of preference assessments within behavioral teaching technologies for this population, while also noting limitations and potential alternatives.