Predictive validity of selection-based versus engagement-based preference assessments for extended leisure engagement
Document Type
Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Degree
M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis
Date Completed
2023
First Committee Member
Bancroft, Stacie
Second Committee Member
Ahearn, William H.
Third Committee Member
Thompson, Rachel
Abstract
"Autistic children can benefit from developing leisure skills. Though leisure skills are an important part of a child’s development, some autistic children are unable to reliably communicate which leisure activities they prefer to engage with. The goal of the current research was to identify which preference assessments are most effective in assessing leisure repertoire strength. In the first experimental phase, the participant was presented with three of each of the following assessments: a paired-stimulus (PS) assessment, a multiple-stimulus-without-replacement (MSWO) assessment, a free-operant (FO) assessment, and a brief version of the response restriction preference assessment (BRR). In the second experimental phase, we conducted a progressive ratio reinforcer assessment, meant to mimic when the leisure items might reinforce a response. In the third experimental phase, we conducted extended FO assessments meant to mimic extended periods of downtime. The results of the progressive ratio reinforcer assessment showed that the PS was best at predicting reinforcers that would increase a response. The results of the extended FOs showed that the BRR was best at predicting reinforcers for prolonged periods of unstructured downtime. Practitioners should consider using the BRR when determining the reinforcing value of items that could contribute to a strong leisure repertoire."
Recommended Citation
Casella, Alexandra E., "Predictive validity of selection-based versus engagement-based preference assessments for extended leisure engagement" (2023). Master’s Theses - College of Arts and Sciences. 29.
https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/castheses/29
