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Curiel H, Curiel ESL, Villanueva S, Ayala CEG, Cadigan AS. The multiple-stimulus-without-replacement preference assessment tool and its predictive validity. J Appl Behav Anal 2024; 57:226-235. [PMID: 37937467 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
This study demonstrates the use of two web-based programs, one to identify video preferences and the other to assess their reinforcing effects. We used the Multiple-Stimulus-Without-Replacement Preference Assessment Tool (MSWO PAT) to identify the video preference hierarchies of seven participants, ages 4-11 years old. We then used a customized reinforcer assessment program that arranged a concurrent-chains preparation with programmed conjugate schedules of reinforcement. Button presses emitted by participants modulated the quality (volume and opacity) of selected videos on a moment-to-moment basis, allowing us to identify the reinforcing effects of the videos in little time. The results showed that the preference assessment had predictive value for five of seven participants. We discuss the MSWO PAT, parameters that may affect the identification of preferences and the use of conjugate schedules to identify reinforcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Curiel
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Emily S L Curiel
- Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Santos Villanueva
- Department of Psychological Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
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2
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Flowers J, Dawes J. Dignity and Respect: Why Therapeutic Assent Matters. Behav Anal Pract 2023; 16:913-920. [PMID: 38076752 PMCID: PMC10700258 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-023-00772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
During therapeutic treatment and research in psychology and related fields, informed consent by the client or participant is required when they are over the age of 18; assent is required when a client or participant is under the age of 18 or a conserved adult. During both research and treatment, behavior analysts often work with neurodiverse individuals who have language deficits, and these clients may require unique assent procedures. This article will outline reasons behavior-analytic research and therapy require field-specific assent procedures. Furthermore, the goals of research and therapy are different and therefore assent may need to differ as well. This article will also argue that therapeutic assent during behavior-analytic treatment requires a unique set of guidelines and procedures that may differ from the behavior-analytic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Flowers
- Department of Human Services and Educational Leadership, School Psychology Program, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX 75962 USA
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3
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Lazaro XA, Winter JM, Fernand JK, Cox DJ, Dorey NR. Efficacy of Edible and Leisure Reinforcers with Domestic Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3073. [PMID: 37835679 PMCID: PMC10571986 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Preference assessments are often used to identify stimuli that function as potential reinforcers for training or intervention purposes. Specifically, various preference assessment formats have been used to identify preferred stimuli for humans, cockroaches, cotton-top tamarins, tortoises, and wolves, to name a few. However, to date, no study has evaluated the differential efficacy between food and leisure stimuli within domestic dogs. The current study aimed to compare the reinforcing value and efficacy between food and leisure stimuli for domestic dogs by comparing rates of behavior when receiving access to either their top-preferred food or leisure items. Overall results suggest (1) domestic dogs prefer food over leisure items, and (2) food is more likely to function as a reinforcer than leisure items for domestic dog's behavior. These results suggest that dog owners and trainers should consider using food reinforcers over leisure items as reinforcers when attempting to train dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenabeth A. Lazaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - John M. Winter
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jonathan K. Fernand
- Florida Institute of Technology, School of Behavior Analysis, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
| | - David J. Cox
- Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, Endicott College, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
- RethinkFirst, Department of Data Science and Analytics, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - Nicole R. Dorey
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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4
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Waite MR, Kodak TM. Owner-implemented paired-stimulus food preference assessments for companion dogs. J Exp Anal Behav 2023; 120:62-77. [PMID: 37414742 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral interventions for animals typically require the inclusion of programmed reinforcers. Although pet owners and human caregivers can often identify items that the animal will consume, preference assessments can more accurately determine relative preference rankings between various stimuli, which is important given that higher preferred items tend to function as more effective reinforcers than lower preferred items. Preference assessments have been developed to identify rankings for a variety of stimuli across species, including the domesticated dog (Canis lupus familiaris). However, previous preference assessments for dogs were developed for laboratory use and could be challenging for dog owners to perform alone. The purpose of this study was to modify existing dog preference assessment methods to produce a valid and feasible preference assessment for dog owners. Results suggest that the preference assessment identified preference rankings for individual dogs. Owners were able to implement the protocol with high integrity and found the protocol acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy R Waite
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave. Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States of America
- Department of Life Sciences, Animal Behavior program, Carroll University, 130 W. College Ave. Waukesha, WI, 53186, USA
| | - Tiffany M Kodak
- Behavior Analysis program, Marquette University, 525 N. 6th St. Milwaukee, WI, 53203, USA
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Fernandez EJ, Martin AL. Applied behavior analysis and the zoo: Forthman and Ogden (1992) thirty years later. J Appl Behav Anal 2023; 56:29-54. [PMID: 36562615 PMCID: PMC10107353 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The field of applied behavior analysis has been directly involved in both research and applications of behavioral principles to improve the lives of captive zoo animals. Thirty years ago, Forthman and Ogden (1992) wrote one of the first papers documenting some of these efforts. Since that time, considerable work has been done using behavioral principles and procedures to guide zoo welfare efforts. The current paper reexamines and updates Forthman and Ogden's original points, with attention to the 5 categories they detailed: (a) promotion of species-typical behavior, (b) reintroduction and repatriation of endangered species, (c) animal handling, (d) pest control, and (e) animal performances. In addition, we outline 3 current and future directions for behavior analytic endeavors: (a) experimental analyses of behavior and the zoo, (b) applied behavior analysis and the zoo, and (c) single-case designs and the zoo. The goal is to provide a framework that can guide future behavioral research in zoos, as well as create applications based on these empirical evaluations.
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6
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Lill JD, Shriver MD, Allen KD. Stimulus Preference Assessment Decision-Making System (SPADS): A Decision-Making Model for Practitioners. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 14:1144-1156. [PMID: 34868818 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-020-00539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A stimulus preference assessment (SPA) is a fundamental tool used by practitioners to predict stimuli that function as reinforcers. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires that all certified behavior analysts and behavioral technicians be trained in SPA methodology (BACB, 2017). SPA procedures are used by nearly 9 out of 10 behavior analysts in the field (Graff & Karsten, 2012). Over the last 4 decades, there has been a litany of research on SPA procedures. Despite the universality of training, application, and research, discussions on the selection of SPA procedures have been sparse. Two peer-reviewed articles have focused on clinical decision making in the selection of SPA procedures. Karsten et al. (2011) introduced an in situ decision-making model, whereas Virues-Ortega et al. (2014) developed an a priori algorithm based on client and stimuli characteristics. The SPADS addresses the limitations of prior models by considering the effects of stimuli dimensions, client characteristics, relative administration times, and the outcomes agreement between two potentially efficacious, context-specfic SPA procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D Lill
- Department of Psychology, Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5450 USA
| | - Mark D Shriver
- Department of Psychology, Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5450 USA
| | - Keith D Allen
- Department of Psychology, Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5450 USA
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7
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Bergmann S, Toussaint KA, Niland H, Sansing EM, Armshaw G, Baltazar M. Adapting Direct Services for Telehealth: A Practical Tutorial. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 14:1010-1046. [PMID: 34659652 PMCID: PMC8509939 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-020-00529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the pandemic brought on by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), consumers of applied behavior-analytic interventions may be experiencing disrupted access to services. In response to the need for services, behavior analysts and therapists may find themselves treading unchartered waters as they use telehealth to provide direct intervention to consumers. Direct service provision via telehealth extends beyond the bounds of existing telehealth research, which primarily focuses on caregiver training and consultation. In the transition to telehealth, behavior analysts can consider how to adapt an existing evidence base of behavior-analytic strategies from a face-to-face format to intervention via a teleconferencing platform (i.e., Zoom). In this tutorial, we provide practice recommendations, task analyses, and a curated list of Zoom walk-throughs to help behavior analysts construct conceptually systematic learning opportunities in their direct telehealth services. Leveraging teleconferencing features to provide behavior-analytic intervention directly to consumers could spur future research to support these need-inspired practices and guide telehealth applications during and beyond the current pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-020-00529-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Bergmann
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
| | - Karen A. Toussaint
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
| | - Haven Niland
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Sansing
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
| | - Gabriel Armshaw
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
| | - Marla Baltazar
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
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8
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Kim JY, Fienup DM, Oh AE, Wang Y. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Token Economy Practices in K-5 Educational Settings, 2000 to 2019. Behav Modif 2021; 46:1460-1487. [PMID: 34784784 DOI: 10.1177/01454455211058077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Token economy systems have been widely used as an evidence-based classroom management strategy to reinforce and improve prosocial responses. While token economies have been widely applied to educational settings, there have been mixed results regarding the effectiveness depending on the classroom type. To better understand the components contributing to the effectiveness, the researchers analyzed 24 token economy studies conducted in general and special education classrooms from kindergarten to fifth grade between 2000 and 2019. Eight token economy components and effect sizes were identified for each study and compared across different classroom types. The results showed that the token economy intervention yielded large effect sizes for both general and special education classroom types. There were differences in the usage of token components including backup reinforcer types, token production rate, and exchange production rate based on classroom types. Implications for future research and practice for educators and clinicians are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Kim
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Alice E Oh
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ye Wang
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Degli Espinosa F, Wolff K, Hewett S. A comparison of two teaching procedures to establish generalized intraverbal-tacting in children with autism. J Appl Behav Anal 2021; 54:1468-1487. [PMID: 34289112 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has investigated generalized intraverbal-tacting by teaching children with autism to respond using autoclitic frames. The present study compared the effectiveness and efficiency of a Frame and a No Frame procedure across counterbalanced stimulus sets with 4 children with autism. In the Frame condition, children were taught to respond using autoclitic frames (e.g., "Shape square," "Number two," "Color green," "It's mummy," "S/he is drinking") corresponding to the verbal antecedent ("What shape?", "What number?", "What color?", "Who is it?", "What is s/he doing?"). In the No Frame condition, intraverbal-tacting was established without the autoclitic frame. Irrespective of stimuli employed, 2 children acquired intraverbal-tacting only in the Frame condition. The other 2 children acquired intraverbal-tacting in both conditions, with the Frame procedure requiring fewer teaching trials for 1 child and producing greater generalization for the other. Implications for clinical practice and the role of additive intraverbal stimulus control of autoclitic frames are discussed.
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10
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Cox DJ, Klapes B, Falligant JM. Scaling N from 1 to 1,000,000: Application of the Generalized Matching Law to Big Data Contexts. Perspect Behav Sci 2021; 44:641-665. [DOI: 10.1007/s40614-021-00298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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11
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Pérez-Elvira R, Oltra-Cucarella J, Carrobles JA, Moltó J, Flórez M, Parra S, Agudo M, Saez C, Guarino S, Costea RM, Neamtu B. Enhancing the Effects of Neurofeedback Training: The Motivational Value of the Reinforcers. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040457. [PMID: 33916676 PMCID: PMC8067059 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain activity that is measured by electroencephalography (EEG) can be modified through operant conditioning, specifically using neurofeedback (NF). NF has been applied to several disorders claiming that a change in the erratic brain activity would be accompanied by a reduction of the symptoms. However, the expected results are not always achieved. Some authors have suggested that the lack of an adequate response may be due to an incorrect application of the operant conditioning principles. A key factor in operant conditioning is the use of reinforcers and their value in modifying behavior, something that is not always sufficiently taken into account. This work aims to clarify the relevance of the motivational value versus the purely informational value of the reinforcer. In this study, 113 subjects were randomly assigned two different reinforcer conditions: a selected reinforcer—the subjects subjectively selected the reinforcers—or an imposed reinforcer—the reinforcers were assigned by the experimenter—and both groups undertook NF sessions to enhance the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). In addition, the selected reinforcer group was divided into two subgroups: one receiving real NF and the other one sham NF. There were no significant differences between the groups at baseline in terms of SMR amplitude. After the intervention, only those subjects belonging to the selected reinforcer group and receiving real NF increased their SMR. Our results provide evidence for the importance of the motivational value of the reinforcer in Neurofeedback success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Pérez-Elvira
- Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, NEPSA Rehabilitación Neurológica, 3003 Salamanca, Spain; (R.P.-E.); (M.A.); (C.S.)
| | - Javier Oltra-Cucarella
- Department of Health Psychology, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - José Antonio Carrobles
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jorge Moltó
- PSYD-Neurofeedback, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (J.M.); (M.F.)
| | | | | | - María Agudo
- Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, NEPSA Rehabilitación Neurológica, 3003 Salamanca, Spain; (R.P.-E.); (M.A.); (C.S.)
| | - Clara Saez
- Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, NEPSA Rehabilitación Neurológica, 3003 Salamanca, Spain; (R.P.-E.); (M.A.); (C.S.)
| | - Sergio Guarino
- NEPSA Rehabilitación Neurológica, 47001 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Raluca Maria Costea
- Research Department (Ceforaten), Sibiu Pediatric Hospital, 550178 Sibiu, Romania; (R.M.C.); (B.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine Lucian Blaga, University from Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Bogdan Neamtu
- Research Department (Ceforaten), Sibiu Pediatric Hospital, 550178 Sibiu, Romania; (R.M.C.); (B.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine Lucian Blaga, University from Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
- Faculty of Engineering, Lucian Blaga, University from Sibiu, 550025 Sibiu, Romania
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12
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Bargagliotti AE, Martonosi SE, Orrison ME, Johnson AH, Fefer SA. Using ranked survey data in education research: Methods and applications. J Sch Psychol 2021; 85:17-36. [PMID: 33715779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsp.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Researchers and practitioners in education and school psychology regularly use ranked data to drive student- and systems-level decision-making. These types of data can be derived from assessments of individual preferences among researchers and practitioners, assessments of preferences among stakeholders including parents and children, and rankings of students on academic and social-emotional competency. However, the analysis of ranked data in education and psychology has typically been limited to simple approaches such as the examination of mean ranks assigned to items. This paper unifies a collection of classical methodologies, as well as proposes new techniques, for analyzing ranked data used across disciplines and applies the methods to data generated in school psychological research. The scope of the paper is to serve as a roadmap for researchers in education and school psychology who seek to more fully leverage information contained in ranked data. These methodologies include descriptive analyses, visualizations, tests of uniformity, cluster analyses, and predictive models. We demonstrate these techniques on the survey data of Fefer, DeMagistris, and Shuttleton (2016) and illustrate how using a broader set of tools can yield improved insights by researchers and practitioners.
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13
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Avery SK, Akers JS. The Use of Demand Assessments: A Brief Review and Practical Guide. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 14:410-421. [PMID: 34150456 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-020-00542-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important for practitioners to first conduct an indirect demand assessment to identify appropriate stimuli to include during the direct demand assessment. Information obtained from an indirect demand assessment is useful not only for identifying which demands to evaluate during the direct assessment but also for selecting stimuli associated with each demand. Conducting an indirect demand assessment with caregivers provides practitioners the opportunity to identify whether specific demand stimuli are associated with more challenging behavior (e.g., writing with a pen vs. a pencil) and whether demand presentation may be an establishing operation for challenging behavior (e.g., presenting one math problem at a time vs. presenting an entire math worksheet). The purpose of this article is to review the current literature on demand assessment procedures and to provide practitioners with a practical guide for conducting demand assessments in clinical settings. We provide a summary of our findings along with a brief description of the procedures used for implementing the indirect and direct demand assessments. Further, we created a decision-making guide to help practitioners select which type of demand assessment to conduct with their clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzannah K Avery
- Department of Educational Psychology, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
| | - Jessica S Akers
- Department of Educational Psychology, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
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14
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Individual Alpha Peak Frequency, an Important Biomarker for Live Z-Score Training Neurofeedback in Adolescents with Learning Disabilities. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020167. [PMID: 33525458 PMCID: PMC7911657 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning disabilities (LDs) have an estimated prevalence between 5% and 9% in the pediatric population and are associated with difficulties in reading, arithmetic, and writing. Previous electroencephalography (EEG) research has reported a lag in alpha-band development in specific LD phenotypes, which seems to offer a possible explanation for differences in EEG maturation. In this study, 40 adolescents aged 10–15 years with LDs underwent 10 sessions of Live Z-Score Training Neurofeedback (LZT-NF) Training to improve their cognition and behavior. Based on the individual alpha peak frequency (i-APF) values from the spectrogram, a group with normal i-APF (ni-APF) and a group with low i-APF (li-APF) were compared in a pre-and-post-LZT-NF intervention. There were no statistical differences in age, gender, or the distribution of LDs between the groups. The li-APF group showed a higher theta absolute power in P4 (p = 0.016) at baseline and higher Hi-Beta absolute power in F3 (p = 0.007) post-treatment compared with the ni-APF group. In both groups, extreme waves (absolute Z-score of ≥1.5) were more likely to move toward the normative values, with better results in the ni-APF group. Conversely, the waves within the normal range at baseline were more likely to move out of the range after treatment in the li-APF group. Our results provide evidence of a viable biomarker for identifying optimal responders for the LZT-NF technique based on the i-APF metric reflecting the patient’s neurophysiological individuality.
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15
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Slocum SK, Morris KL. Assessing Preference in a Paired-Stimulus Arrangement with Captive Vultures ( Aegypius Monachus). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2020; 25:362-367. [PMID: 33305965 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2020.1857253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Vultures play an important role in our ecosystem by filtering out bacteria and viruses harmful to humans (e.g., rabies, botulism). However, many vultures remain in human care due to skill deficits and behavioral excesses, which can be treated using behavior-management practices that rely on effective (often edible) reinforcers. The current study replicated the forced-choice or paired-stimulus preference assessment with five birds of prey. Across all vultures, participants displayed a preference for animal (e.g., meat) over nonanimal stimuli (e.g., fruit), and mice meat was the most preferred edible for 4 of the 5 vultures. The application of this methodology to birds of prey might allow rehabilitators, conservationists, and other caretakers to make greater gains in training vultures to both acquire new skills and decrease problem behavior using highly preferred edible items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Slocum
- Department of Severe Behavior, Marcus Autism Center and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Kristen L Morris
- Department of Health Professions, Rollins College, Winter Park, United States
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16
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Fritz JN, Roath CT, Shoemaker PT, Edwards AB, Hussein LA, Villante NK, Langlinais CA, Rettig LA. Validity of the multiple-stimulus without replacement preference assessment for edible items. J Appl Behav Anal 2020; 53:1688-1701. [PMID: 32307709 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the multiple-stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment is an effective assessment format for identifying preferred items. However, it is possible that factors other than reinforcer quality might influence selections by some individuals when the MSWO array consists of edible items. The validity of the MSWO results was evaluated by comparing items identified as most and least preferred by the MSWO assessment in a concurrent-schedule (CS) format. Varying edible items were used in each study. The MSWO format accurately identified the higher quality edible item for most participants across studies (76%); however, the MSWO format did not predict the highest quality edible item in the CS assessment for 20% to 30% of participants in each study.
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17
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Slanzi CM, Graziano M, D'Angelo G, Vollmer TR, Conine DE. Relative preferences for edible and leisure stimuli in children with autism: A replication in Italy. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 53:2429-2439. [PMID: 31835275 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have found that edible items tend to displace leisure items in multiple-stimulus preference assessments for individuals with developmental disabilities. One recent study (Conine & Vollmer, 2019) included screen-based technology devices in assessments and found that food items were less likely to displace leisure items and in some cases leisure items totally displaced edible items. The purpose of our study was to conduct a replication of Conine and Vollmer in Italy to evaluate cultural differences in food and leisure preferences. Results of our study were similar: For 44% of participants, at least one leisure item ranked above all edible items and leisure items displaced all edible items for 28% of participants. Participants in the present study showed a higher preference for leisure items or toys that were not screen-based technology devices, suggesting there may be cultural variation in the types of leisure items that are preferred.
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DeRosa NM, Novak MD, Morley AJ, Roane HS. Comparing response blocking and response interruption/redirection on levels of motor stereotypy: Effects of data analysis procedures. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 52:1021-1033. [PMID: 31642524 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is marked by deficits in social communication and the presence of restrictive and/or repetitive behaviors or interests. Motor stereotypy is a form of repetitive behavior that is common in ASD. Response Interruption and Redirection (RIRD) and response blocking (RB) are two interventions found to be efficacious in reducing motor stereotypy. However, the current literature presents with inconsistencies regarding the relative efficacy of these two procedures. Thus, we sought to replicate and extend previous literature by evaluating the efficacy of both interventions on reducing motor stereotypy among 3 individuals with ASD. We also sought to evaluate how variations in data analysis affected the interpretation of treatment outcomes. Results indicated that both interventions were equally efficacious at reducing stereotypy when analyzing data exclusive of treatment-implementation time. However, when analyzing total session time data, RB produced greater and more sustained reductions in stereotypy across all participants. These results emphasize the importance of data analysis decision-making in evaluating intervention outcomes.
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Carter AB, Zonneveld KLM. A comparison of displacement and reinforcer potency for typically developing children. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 53:1130-1144. [PMID: 31486076 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous researchers found that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities tend to prefer edible over leisure stimuli, although leisure stimuli may still function as reinforcers. We replicated and extended previous research in a 2-part experiment with typically developing children. In Experiment 1, we evaluated 15 children's preference for leisure and edible stimuli. Five of 15 participants preferred edible over leisure stimuli, 3 of 15 participants preferred leisure over edible stimuli, and the remaining 7 of 15 participants did not show a preference for a stimulus class. In Experiment 2, we compared the reinforcer potency of the top-ranked stimulus from each class with 7 of the 8 participants who showed displacement of one stimulus class. Four of 7 participants allocated more responding to the task associated with the top-ranked stimulus and 3 of 7 participants showed no differences in responding to the task regardless of the stimulus rank.
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Clark SB, Call NA, Simmons CA, Scheithauer MC, Muething CS, Parks N. Effects of Magnitude on the Displacement of Leisure Items by Edible Items During Preference Assessments. Behav Modif 2019; 44:727-745. [PMID: 30983381 DOI: 10.1177/0145445519843937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies on preference assessments have shown that when both edible and leisure items are compared, edible items tend to displace leisure items in preference hierarchies. However, the mechanisms behind this process are currently unclear. One possibility is that displacement may be a product of the relatively brief periods of access to leisure items typically used in preference assessments. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine whether the duration of access to leisure items affects displacement. In this study, participants chose between preferred leisure items and the edible items that had previously been shown to displace those leisure items in a preference hierarchy. Duration of access to the leisure item was systematically increased across series to identify the magnitude at which leisure items became more preferred than edible items. Results indicate that as the duration of access to leisure items increases, displacement decreases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan A Call
- Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Mindy C Scheithauer
- Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Colin S Muething
- Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Martin AL, Franklin AN, Perlman JE, Bloomsmith MA. Systematic assessment of food item preference and reinforcer effectiveness: Enhancements in training laboratory-housed rhesus macaques. Behav Processes 2018; 157:445-452. [PMID: 30003936 PMCID: PMC6240383 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of systematic preference assessments can enhance positive reinforcement training with captive animals. We found that the multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO) technique identified food preferences in laboratory housed rhesus macaques, with raisins and grapes being ranked higher on average than dried apricot, pasta, and green beans (Friedman Test, χ2 (4) = 35.52, p < .001). Agreement between individuals (N = 21) was moderate (Kendall's W = 0.42), and consistency across time varied among individuals (W = .03-.90). Highly preferred items identified by the MSWO assessment were subsequently found to increase subjects' engagement in a husbandry task on which they were being trained (Mann-Whitney U = 6.00, p = .002) and to improve performance on a progressive ratio schedule (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Z = -2.17, p = .03) when compared with low preference items. The progressive ratio technique supplements other preference assessment techniques by measuring the amount of work a subject will do to gain access to an item. The use of more effective reinforcers identified through systematic assessment has the potential to increase animal performance on husbandry and research tasks and to improve animal welfare in the laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Martin
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Department of Psychology, Kennesaw State University, 402 Bartow Ave NW, MD 2202, Kennesaw, GA 30144, United States.
| | - Andrea N Franklin
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Jaine E Perlman
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Mollie A Bloomsmith
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
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Robinson ES, Desrochers M, Napolitano DA. Concurrent operant preference assessment to identify social consequences to decrease task latency for adolescents with dual diagnosis. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Robinson
- Department of Psychology; The College at Brockport State University of New York; Rochester New York
- Crestwood Children's Center; Hillside Family of Agencies Rochester; New York
| | - Marcie Desrochers
- Department of Psychology; The College at Brockport State University of New York; Rochester New York
| | - Deborah A. Napolitano
- Department of Education; Daemen College; Buffalo New York
- Developmental Disabilities Services; Hillside Family of Agencies Rochester New York
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Brodhead MT, Kim SY, Rispoli MJ. Further examination of video-based preference assessments without contingent access. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 52:258-270. [PMID: 30238441 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The first purpose of this study was to attempt to replicate previous findings that video-based preference assessments without access to selected stimuli may accurately predict relative reinforcing efficacy of stimuli. To do this, we conducted a concurrent operant reinforcer assessment in which we evaluated the relative reinforcing value of highly preferred and less preferred items identified in a video-based preference assessment. The second purpose of this study was to begin to evaluate the potential behavioral mechanisms responsible for the validity of this assessment. To conduct this analysis, we evaluated the relative reinforcing value of those same stimuli depicted in video format and then compared results to results obtained during the reinforcer assessment for tangible stimuli. For all five participants, stimuli identified as highly preferred functioned as reinforcers, and four of five participants, responding during the reinforcer assessment was similar in the presence of tangible stimuli and videos depicting those stimuli.
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Riemer S, Ellis SL, Thompson H, Burman OH. Reinforcer effectiveness in dogs—The influence of quantity and quality. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Russell D, Ingvarsson ET, Haggar JL, Jessel J. Using progressive ratio schedules to evaluate tokens as generalized conditioned reinforcers. J Appl Behav Anal 2017; 51:40-52. [PMID: 29193060 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The properties of operant reinforcers are dynamic and dependent on a number of variables, such as schedule and effort. There has been sparse research on the generalized conditioned properties of token reinforcement. We evaluated leisure items, edible items, and tokens using a progressive ratio schedule with three children with diagnoses of ASD and developmental delays. The highest break points occurred during the token reinforcement condition for two out of three participants, but response rates tended to be higher with edibles. We then evaluated the effects of presession access to edibles on the break points of edible items and tokens with two participants. Break points decreased only in the edible reinforcement condition, and the participants chose to work for leisure items rather than edibles when presession access to edibles was in place. These findings suggest that the tokens functioned as generalized conditioned reinforcers.
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Dunst CJ, Raab M, Hamby DW. Contrasting approaches to the response-contingent learning of young children with significant delays and their social-emotional consequences. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 63:67-73. [PMID: 28268201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of the analyses described in this paper was to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of two different approaches to child response-contingent learning on rates of child learning and both concomitant and collateral child social-emotional behaviour. METHOD The participants were 71 children with significant developmental delays or multiple disabilities randomly assigned to either of the two contrasting approaches to interventions. RESULTS Findings showed that an intervention which employed practices that built on existing child behaviour (asset-based practices) was more effective than an intervention focusing on teaching children missing skills (needs-based practices) for influencing changes in the rates of child learning as well as rates of child social-emotional behaviour mediated by differences in rates of child learning. IMPLICATIONS Both the theoretical and practical importance of the results are described in terms of the extended social-emotional benefits of asset-based response-contingent learning games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl J Dunst
- Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute, 128 S. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC 28655, United States.
| | - Melinda Raab
- Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute, 128 S. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC 28655, United States
| | - Deborah W Hamby
- Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute, 128 S. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC 28655, United States
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Guérin NA, Rodriguez KE, Brodhead MT, O'Haire ME. Assessing Preferences for Animals in Children with Autism: A New Use for Video-Based Preference Assessment. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:29. [PMID: 28344974 PMCID: PMC5344888 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of animals into interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing practice known as animal-assisted intervention (AAI). The choice of the animal to include in an intervention is often solely up to the interventionist and depends on their experience, subjective judgment, and ease of access to different animals. For individuals with ASD who are non-verbal and unable to indicate preferred stimuli or activities, incorporating preference into interventions has been linked to increases in positive behaviors and enhanced quality of life. We propose that animal choice based on a participant's preference may enhance the experience of AAI and maximize its outcomes. A common technique used to reliably determine preferred interactions and activities in interventions for children with ASD is a stimulus preference assessment. The video-based multiple-stimulus without replacement (MSWO) procedure, in particular, allows for discrimination of complex stimuli that could not feasibly be presented all at once, which is the case when choosing an animal. Based on the well-documented reliability of this technique in the field of applied behavior analysis, we propose that a future direction in AAI is utilizing video-based MSWO to guide animal selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie A Guérin
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University , West Lafayette, IN , USA
| | - Kerri E Rodriguez
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University , West Lafayette, IN , USA
| | - Matthew T Brodhead
- Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education, Michigan State University , East Lansing, MI , USA
| | - Marguerite E O'Haire
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University , West Lafayette, IN , USA
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Ten Brug A, Van der Putten AAJ, Penne A, Maes B, Vlaskamp C. Making a difference? A comparison between multi-sensory and regular storytelling for persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2016; 60:1043-1053. [PMID: 27038012 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-sensory storytelling (MSST) was developed to include persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in storytelling culture. In order to increase the listeners' attention, MSST stories are individualised and use multiple sensory stimuli to support the verbal text. In order to determine the value of MSST, this study compared listeners' attention under two conditions: (1) being read MSST books and (2) being read regular stories. METHOD A non-randomised control study was executed in which the intervention group read MSST books (n = 45) and a comparison group (n = 31) read regular books. Books were read 10 times during a 5-week period. The 1st, 5th and 10th storytelling sessions were recorded on video in both groups, and the percentage of attention directed to the book and/or stimuli and to the storyteller was scored by a trained and independent rater. Two repeated measure analyses (with the storytelling condition as a between-subject factor and the three measurements as factor) were performed to determine the difference between the groups in terms of attention directed to the book/stimuli (first analysis) and storyteller (second analysis). A further analysis established whether the level of attention changed between the reading sessions and whether there was an interaction effect between the repetition of the book and the storytelling condition. RESULTS The attention directed to the book and/or the stimuli was significantly higher in the MSST group than in the comparison group. No significant difference between the two groups was found in the attention directed to the storyteller. For MSST stories, most attention was observed during the fifth reading session, while for regular stories, the fifth session gained least attentiveness from the listener. CONCLUSION The persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities paid more attention to the book and/or stimuli in the MSST condition compared with the regular story telling group. Being more attentive towards the book and stimuli might give persons with PIMD the opportunity to apprehend the story and to be included in storytelling culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ten Brug
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - A A J Van der Putten
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Penne
- Parenting and Special Education Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - B Maes
- Parenting and Special Education Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Vlaskamp
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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30
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Moes DR. Integrating Choice-Making Opportunities within Teacher-Assigned Academic Tasks to Facilitate the Performance of Children with Autism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2511/rpsd.23.4.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Providing opportunities to make choices has received increasing support as an antecedent intervention to improve the performance of students with disabilities. Additional research in this area is needed to determine under what circumstances the application of choice making as a curricular intervention is appropriate and produces meaningful outcomes. The present study extended this line of research and investigated how providing choice opportunities to children with autism impacted their performance during teacher-assigned homework activities. An ABAB design was utilized to evaluate the effects of choice making (student vs. tutor) on the academic performance of four children with autism. Results showed that providing students with opportunities to make choices regarding the order of task completion and use of stimulus materials improved participants' accuracy, productivity, affect, and reduced their disruptive behaviors. These findings support the use of child choice as a teaching strategy to improve the academic performance of children with autism during curricular activities. The functional properties of choice making and considerations for its use as a curricular-based antecedent intervention are discussed.
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Heinicke MR, Carr JE, Pence ST, Zias DR, Valentino AL, Falligant JM. Assessing the efficacy of pictorial preference assessments for children with developmental disabilities. J Appl Behav Anal 2016; 49:848-868. [PMID: 27529144 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Past research has demonstrated that pictorial preference assessments can predict subsequent reinforcement effects for individuals with developmental disabilities only when access to the selected stimulus is provided contingent on a pictorial selection. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess more comprehensively the feasibility of the pictorial format with children with developmental disabilities. In Experiment 1, prerequisite skill assessments were conducted, and the role of a contingent reinforcer was assessed by comparing the results from the pictorial assessment without contingent access to a reinforcer assessment. If contingent access was found to be necessary, the effects of schedule thinning were evaluated to determine whether a pictorial format could be made more practical in Experiment 2. The pictorial format without contingent access was successful with only some participants. However, schedule thinning was found to be an effective method to establish conditioned reinforcement properties for pictorial stimuli to create a more practical assessment for a subset of participants.
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Call NA, Miller SJ, Mintz JC, Mevers JL, Scheithauer MC, Eshelman JE, Beavers GA. Use of a latency-based demand assessment to identify potential demands for functional analyses. J Appl Behav Anal 2016; 49:900-914. [PMID: 27469462 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Unlike potential tangible positive reinforcers, which are typically identified for inclusion in functional analyses empirically using preference assessments, demands are most often selected arbitrarily or based on caregiver report. The present study evaluated the use of a demand assessment with 12 participants who exhibited escape-maintained problem behavior. Participants were exposed to 10 demands, with aversiveness measured by average latency to the first instance of problem behavior. In subsequent functional analyses, results of a demand condition that included the demand with the shortest latency to problem behavior resulted in identification of an escape function for 11 of the participants. In contrast, a demand condition that included the demand with the longest latency resulted in identification of an escape function for only 5 participants. The implication of these findings is that for the remaining 7 participants, selection of the demand for the functional analysis without using the results of the demand assessment could have produced a false-negative finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Call
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Sarah J Miller
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Louisiana State University
| | - Joslyn Cynkus Mintz
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Joanna Lomas Mevers
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Mindy C Scheithauer
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University School of Medicine
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Gwinn MM, Derby KM, Fisher W, Kurtz P, Fahs A, Augustine M, McLaughlin TF. Effects of Increased Response Effort and Reinforcer Delay on Choice and Aberrant Behavior. Behav Modif 2016; 29:642-52. [PMID: 15911686 DOI: 10.1177/0145445503259489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A four-phase investigation was completed to analyze the utility of forced-choice preference assessments when response effort and reinforcer delays are altered within a subsequent reinforcer assessment. The results indicated that access to highly preferred stimuli continued to serve as a reinforcer when increased response effort was required. When reinforcer delay was increased, the utility of preferred stimuli to serve as a reinforcer was variable. Despite stimuli continuing to serve as reinforcers for academic task engagement, increased response effort and reinforcer delay resulted in an increased level of aberrant behavior.
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Goldberg MC, Allman MJ, Hagopian LP, Triggs MM, Frank-Crawford MA, Mostofsky SH, Denckla MB, DeLeon IG. Examining the reinforcing value of stimuli within social and non-social contexts in children with and without high-functioning autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 21:881-895. [PMID: 27368350 DOI: 10.1177/1362361316655035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the key diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder includes impairments in social interactions. This study compared the extent to which boys with high-functioning autism and typically developing boys "value" engaging in activities with a parent or alone. Two different assessments that can empirically determine the relative reinforcing value of social and non-social stimuli were employed: paired-choice preference assessments and progressive-ratio schedules. There were no significant differences between boys with high-functioning autism and typically developing boys on either measure. Moreover, there was a strong correspondence in performance across these two measures for participants in each group. These results suggest that the relative reinforcing value of engaging in activities with a primary caregiver is not diminished for children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Goldberg
- 1 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.,2 Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
| | | | - Louis P Hagopian
- 1 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.,2 Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
| | | | | | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- 1 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.,2 Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
| | - Martha B Denckla
- 1 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.,2 Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
| | - Iser G DeLeon
- 4 Department of Psychology, University of Florida, USA
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Stimulus Preference and Reinforcement Effects of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphordahina portentosa): A Case of Reverse Translational Research. PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40732-015-0149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Clark DR, Donaldson JM, Kahng S. Are video-based preference assessments without access to selected stimuli effective? J Appl Behav Anal 2015; 48:895-900. [PMID: 26333156 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Clark
- KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE AND UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND; BALTIMORE COUNTY
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Kurtz PF, Chin MD, Robinson AN, O'Connor JT, Hagopian LP. Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 43-44:150-166. [PMID: 26183339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of function-based interventions for the treatment of severe problem behavior exhibited by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is well established. However, few studies have reported on behavioral interventions in fragile X syndrome (FXS) specifically. The present study is a consecutive case-series analysis that reports on functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior of nine children with FXS. Assessment findings were consistent with previous research indicating that among individuals with FXS, problem behavior is more commonly maintained by escape from demands and access to tangible items, relative to the broader population of individuals with IDD. Functional analysis-based behavioral interventions resulted in a mean reduction in problem behavior of 95.2% across the nine participants. Additionally, generalization of treatment effects from controlled clinical settings to home, school, and community was demonstrated. The current findings suggest that function-based behavioral interventions shown to be effective with the broader population of individuals with IDD are also effective for individuals with FXS. Our results in combination with those of previous studies describing functional analysis outcomes provide additional evidence for a unique functional behavioral phenotype for severe problem behavior in individuals with FXS. Implications of study findings for early intervention and prevention of problem behavior in children with FXS are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F Kurtz
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | | | - Ashley N Robinson
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Julia T O'Connor
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Louis P Hagopian
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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38
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Austin JE, Tiger JH. Providing alternative reinforcers to facilitate tolerance to delayed reinforcement following functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal 2015; 48:663-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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39
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Dickes NR, Kodak T. Evaluating the Emergence of Reverse Intraverbals Following Intraverbal Training in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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40
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Ackerlund Brandt JA, Dozier CL, Juanico JF, Laudont CL, Mick BR. The value of choice as a reinforcer for typically developing children. J Appl Behav Anal 2015; 48:344-62. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Amari A, Turner Z, Rubenstein JE, Miller JR, Kossoff EH. Exploring the relationship between preferences for high fat foods and efficacy of the ketogenic and modified Atkins diets among children with seizure disorders. Seizure 2014; 25:173-7. [PMID: 25466825 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous research has indicated that children with seizures may prefer high fat foods - a preference compatible with ketogenic and modified Atkins dietary therapies. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the relationship between fat preference and efficacy of therapeutic diets in treating intractable seizures among a pediatric population. METHODS Preference for high fat foods was directly assessed in a sample of 30 children prior to commencing either the ketogenic or modified Atkins diet. Seizure control was assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following diet initiation. Using an intent-to-treat analysis, correlations between fat preference and diet efficacy were examined at each follow-up and across the follow-up period. RESULTS At individual follow-ups, correlations between fat preference and diet efficacy varied in terms of both strength and significance; however, modest, positive correlations with fat preference were significant when examining high levels of efficacy (100% seizure reduction, ≥90% seizure reduction) across a 1-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION These findings provide preliminary evidence that fat preference, when directly assessed, may be a useful predictor of treatment efficacy for the ketogenic and modified Atkins diets; however, further research is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Amari
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Zahava Turner
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, The John M Freeman Pediatric Epilepsy Center, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 200 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - James E Rubenstein
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, The John M Freeman Pediatric Epilepsy Center, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 200 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jonathan R Miller
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Eric H Kossoff
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, The John M Freeman Pediatric Epilepsy Center, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 200 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Simultaneously Observing Concurrently-Available Schedules as a Means to Study the Near Miss Event in Simulated Slot Machine Gambling. PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40732-014-0095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kelly MA, Roscoe EM, Hanley GP, Schlichenmeyer K. Evaluation of assessment methods for identifying social reinforcers. J Appl Behav Anal 2014; 47:113-35. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A. Kelly
- Western New England University and the New England Center for Children
| | - Eileen M. Roscoe
- Western New England University and the New England Center for Children
| | | | - Kevin Schlichenmeyer
- Western New England University and University of Massachusetts Medical School; Shriver Center
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Kurtz PF, Fodstad JC, Huete JM, Hagopian LP. Caregiver- and staff-conducted functional analysis outcomes: A summary of 52 cases. J Appl Behav Anal 2013; 46:738-49. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F. Kurtz
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Jill C. Fodstad
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - John M. Huete
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Louis P. Hagopian
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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Gutierrez A, Fischer AJ, Hale MN, Durocher JS, Alessandri M. DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE PATTERNS TO THE CONTROL CONDITION BETWEEN TWO PROCEDURES TO ASSESS SOCIAL REINFORCERS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Call NA, Trosclair-Lasserre NM, Findley AJ, Reavis AR, Shillingsburg MA. Correspondence between single versus daily preference assessment outcomes and reinforcer efficacy under progressive-ratio schedules. J Appl Behav Anal 2013; 45:763-77. [PMID: 23322931 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2012.45-763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Research has suggested that a daily multiple-stimulus-without-replacement (MSWO) preference assessment may be more sensitive to changes in preference than other assessment formats, thereby resulting in greater correspondence with reinforcer efficacy over time (DeLeon et al., 2001). However, most prior studies have measured reinforcer efficacy using rate of responding under single-operant arrangements and dense schedules or under concurrent-operants arrangements. An alternative measure of reinforcer efficacy involves the evaluation of responding under progressive-ratio (PR) schedules. In the present study, 7 participants were given a single paired-stimulus (PS) preference assessment followed by daily MSWO preference assessments. After each daily MSWO, participants responded for each stimulus on a PR schedule. The correspondence between break points and preferences, as assessed by the 2 assessment formats, was examined. Results demonstrated that both preference assessments did equally well at predicting reinforcer efficacy, although the PS more consistently identified the most effective reinforcer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Call
- Marcus Autism Center and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.
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Clay CJ, Samaha AL, Bloom SE, Bogoev BK, Boyle MA. Assessing preference for social interactions. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2013; 34:362-371. [PMID: 23009945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We examined a procedure to assess preference for social interactions in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Preferences were identified in five individuals using a paired-choice procedure in which participants approached therapists who provided different forms of social interactions. A subsequent tracking test showed that participants' approaches were under control of the form of social interaction provided as opposed to idiosyncratic features of the therapists. Results of a reinforcer assessment found that the social interaction identified as preferred also functioned as a reinforcer for all five participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Clay
- Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-2810, United States
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Karsten AM, Carr JE, Lepper TL. Description of a practitioner model for identifying preferred stimuli with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Behav Modif 2011; 35:347-69. [PMID: 21613240 DOI: 10.1177/0145445511405184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The rich technology of stimulus preference assessment (SPA) is a product of 40 years of experimental research. Basic principles of reinforcement and a modest empirical literature suggest that high-preference stimuli identified via SPA may enhance treatment efficacy and decrease problem behavior more effectively than less-preferred stimuli. SPAs can be conducted using one of several methods associated with different time requirements and outcomes. Despite the broad applicability of preference assessments, we are unaware of widely available practitioner guidelines that prescribe when to use SPAs, how to select and modify specific SPA procedures, and how to supplement SPAs with other procedures for maximizing performance. The purpose of the current article is to describe a model for practitioners to select and conduct preference assessments based on practical considerations and research findings. Data are also reported from the application of the proposed model to preference assessments for 20 individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
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Chowdhury M, Benson BA. Use of differential reinforcement to reduce behavior problems in adults with intellectual disabilities: a methodological review. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2011; 32:383-394. [PMID: 21176869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2010.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Revised: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The least-restrictive-alternative guideline for providing treatment emphasizes the use of non-aversive procedures to reduce maladaptive behaviors in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Differential reinforcement (DR) is an excellent example of such a non-aversive, reinforcement based behavioral intervention. The purpose of this literature review was to summarize and provide a methodological analysis of studies, conducted between 1980 and 2009, using a DR contingency to reduce problem behaviors in adults with ID. A total of 31 studies were located that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 reported DR to be an effective intervention when used independently. Of the remaining, 10 studies found DR to be useful as part of a treatment package, and six found a DR contingency used independently to be ineffective, and only observed treatment effects when an aversive component was added. Very few studies assessed the use of DR in older adults and in individuals with mild ID; these reflect areas of future research. A methodological analysis found that several studies did not report information on key methodological variables; for example, conducting a functional analysis and a stimulus preference assessment to guide choice of treatment and reinforcers, thinning very dense DR schedules, assessing collateral behaviors, generalization of behavior change across settings and implementers, and following up treatment outcomes over time. The overall positive findings about the effectiveness of DR are encouraging; however, more methodologically robust studies would serve to make such findings more conclusive and practically relevant for implementation in natural settings for adults with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monali Chowdhury
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 279 McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Abstract
The authors describe an intervention for work refusals in a 49-year-old man with mild mental retardation, more commonly referred to as mild intellectual disability, and other comorbid Axis I diagnoses. Following a behavioral functional assessment, Intervention A, contingent reinforcement of work attendance with cigarettes and edibles was implemented to increase work attendance. A modified reversal to baseline (Intervention B) retained the contingent reinforcement with edibles but not cigarettes. Following Intervention B, a third intervention (Intervention C) reintroduced contingent reinforcement of work attendance with cigarettes and edibles in addition to a response cost procedure. Contingent reinforcement using the most preferred reinforcer was found to be an effective intervention in increasing work attendance; however, this intervention combined with response cost was found to be superior. Overall, a 45.4% decrease in work refusals was seen from baseline following implementation of contingent reinforcement using cigarettes and edibles (Intervention A), whereas a 65.1% decrease was seen between baseline and contingent reinforcement using cigarettes and edibles combined with response cost (Intervention C). Such decrease in work refusals was maintained during follow-up. Factors responsible for intervention success and implications for clinicians are discussed.
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