Training staff to implement brief stimulus preference assessments.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Applied behavior analysis
• Staff training methodologies

Background:

• Preference assessments are crucial for identifying motivating stimuli.
• Efficient training methods are needed to ensure widespread implementation of preference assessments.
• Behavioral staff require practical skills for effective client support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of video-based training for teaching behavioral staff to conduct brief preference assessments.
• To determine the number of training sessions required for staff to achieve competency.
• To assess the in situ implementation of learned assessment procedures.

Main Methods:

• Nine behavioral staff members received training on two brief preference assessment methods.
• Training involved 30-minute video presentations with instructions and modeling.
• Staff performance was evaluated in their natural work environment (in situ) post-training.

Main Results:

• One to two training sessions per assessment method were sufficient for staff to learn implementation.
• All trained staff members demonstrated the ability to conduct the assessments.
• Video-based training proved effective for skill acquisition.

Conclusions:

• Brief, video-based training is an efficient method for teaching behavioral staff preference assessment skills.
• The findings support the practical application of these assessments in clinical settings.
• Further research can explore long-term maintenance and generalization of skills.