A comparison of reinforcing effects and preference assessment techniques

A challenge faced by many educators of individuals with developmental delays is the identification of potentially reinforcing stimuli. Reinforcing stimuli are an essential component in the education of those with special needs. Researchers in the field of applied behavior analysis have developed several methods to identify potentially reinforcing stimuli. Research on brief preference assessment has demonstrated this to be a reliable means of identifying potentially reinforcing stimuli. The present study is an attempt to replicate DeLeon et al. (2001) demonstrating that daily brief assessments may be useful in capturing daily shifts in preference. Results of the present study support DeLeon suggesting the brief assessment as a reliable means of identifying highly preferred stimuli and as a useful agent to capture a shift in preference in one of the three participants.