The Use of Preference Assessments in Applied Settings

This training does not provide CEUs.

The use of reinforcement is vital when acquiring, maintaining, and eliminating operant behaviors (Pace et al.,1985). However, identifying the preferences and reinforcers of individuals with severe intellectual disabilities can be challenging. Researchers have recently examined the methodological rigor of preference assessments and several studies have demonstrated the results of preference assessments to be effective at identifying reinforcers (DeLeon & Iwata, 1996; Fisher et al., 1992). For these reasons, training direct care staff on how to conduct preference assessments is important (Roscoe & Fisher, 2008).

This presentation provides a brief review of the literature on preference assessments and discusses different formats and various stimuli used. Then, a demonstration on how to conduct the multiple-stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment is provided, walking you through how to collect stimuli, implement the assessment, and score the results. Additionally, we review how to use the results as part of your planning and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1.     Identify stimuli for use in preference assessments
2.     Implement an MSWO preference assessment
3.     Train direct care staff to conduct preference assessments

TIMELINE: This course, on its own has a license for active use for 30-days unless it is purchased as part of a bundle/library.

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (“BACB”) does not sponsor, approve, or endorse Special Learning, the materials, information, or sessions identified herein.

NOTE: CEs claimed on any training completed can only be claimed once. If you repeat training you’ve already claimed CEs on, you won’t be able to claim the CEs again. Please ensure you have not already completed and claimed the CEs for the training module before purchase. Want unlimited training? Get All Access training. See our main page!. For cancellations and refunds, please see our policy.