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| Advances in Preference Assessment Implementation and Training |
| Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
| 4:00 PM–4:50 PM |
| Convention Center Mile High Ballroom 1A/B |
| Area: DDA/AUT; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Catharine Lory (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) |
| Discussant: Steven W. Payne (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) |
| CE Instructor: Catharine Lory, Ph.D. |
| Abstract: Preference assessments are a critical part of designing effective interventions as they allow interventionists to identify putative reinforcers through a systematic method rather than making assumptions about stimuli that are reinforcing to an individual. Due to its utility, there has been continued research on not only the efficacy of preference assessments across client populations and settings, but also on the efficiency and feasibility of implementation in natural environments. This symposium aims to highlight current advances in conducting preference assessments and training procedures for implementation. The first paper of this session will present a review of preference assessment training procedures involving a wide range of methods, such as instruction manuals, virtual trainings, and in-person performance feedback. In the second paper, we will present a study that examined the predictive value of a Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement Preference Assessment within an interactive web-based program across 10 children with developmental disabilities. Finally, we will discuss how behavior analysts may increase the accessibility and efficiency of preference assessments, with a focus on technological advances, and provide recommendations for both research and practice. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
| Keyword(s): preference assessment, technology, training, web-based program |
| Target Audience: Researchers, BCBAs, RBTs, practitioners with basic knowledge and experience conducting preference assessments |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) identify three personnel training methods in implementing preference assessments, (2) describe the procedure of a video-based preference assessment, (3) identify three factors that should be considered in the implementation of technology-aided preference assessments. |
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| A Systematic Review of Preference Assessment Training Procedures |
| DAVID RAY GUTIERREZ MIRANDA (Purdue University), Rose A. Mason (Purdue University), Eric Shannon (Purdue University), Allison Tracy (Ball State University), Isaac Joseph Melanson (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: Preference assessments refer to systematic procedures to identify putative reinforcers (Kang et al., 2013). Because reinforcers play a critical role in the effectiveness of behavioral interventions, it is important for change agents, both behavior analysts and non-behavior analysts, to learn how to implement preference assessments with fidelity. To date, only one review (i.e., Leaf et al., 2020) has evaluated how change agents are trained to implement preference assessments. Though Leaf et al., (2020) found multiple training procedures to be effective, the researchers did not evaluate the research quality of the identified studies, which is an important to identifying evidence-based practices. Thus, the primary purpose of the current systematic review is to expand upon Leaf et al. (2020) by using the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards to evaluate the evidence-base for preference assessment trainings and provide guidance for future studies. The secondary purpose of this review is to provide an updated synthesis on advancements in preference assessment trainings, including how researchers have integrated technological advances to improve accessibility and efficiency of trainings. |
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Identifying Video Preferences With the Multiple-Stimulus-Without-Replacement Preference Assessment Tool |
| HUGO CURIEL (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Behavior analysts are in a position to merge behavior-analytic technologies with technological devices and web-based programs. Stimulus preference assessments and reinforcer assessments are two areas of research and practice that have benefitted from such merge. The Multiple-Stimulus-Without-Replacement Preference Assessment Tool (MSWO PAT) is a free, interactive web-based program that allows users to assess video preferences. We evaluated the program with 10 participants of various ages (3- to 11-years-old) and diagnoses and subsequently assessed the reinforcing effects of select videos. The program had predictive value for most participants. This talk will (a) present data that resulted from the implementation of the MSWO PAT and (b) describe how to access and use the program. |
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