Reinforcer assessment A collection of assessment activities that test preferred stimuli to determine their effectiveness as reinforcers for specific target behaviors by measuring increases in target behaviors contingent on the immediate presentation of the stimuli. 5th Edition Task ListF-5 Conduct preference assessments. 6th Edition TCOF.4 Design and evaluate preference assessments. Related Content Dana Do's: How to Determine Preference of Tested Stimuli How do you determine the relative preference of tested stimuli during trial-based preference assessments? PTB Founder Dana Meller breaks it down.Stimulus preference assessment A collection of assessment activities used to identify preferred stimuli that are likely to function as reinforcers.Single stimulus preference assessment A stimulus preference assessment in which the client is presented with one stimulus at a time; and the client’s response to each individual stimulus is recorded.Progressive-ratio schedule reinforcer assessment A reinforcer assessment that identifies the relative effectiveness of a potential reinforcer when response requirements are progressively increased until a breaking point is reached (i.e., responding decreases or stops).Paired stimuli preference assessment A stimulus preference assessment in which the client is asked to choose between sets of two stimuli that are presented simultaneously. The client’s choices and how often each item is…Multiple schedule reinforcer assessment A reinforcer assessment that identifies the most effective contingency for reinforcement when two or more component schedules of reinforcement (FI, FR, VI, VR) are available for one behavior, with only…Multiple stimuli preference assessment A stimulus preference assessment in which the client is presented with three or more stimuli at the same time, and the client’s choices are recorded.Multiple stimuli with replacement preference assessment (MSWI) A stimulus preference assessment in which the client is presented with three or more stimuli at the same time, and the client’s choices are recorded. The chosen stimulus remains in…Multiple stimuli without replacement preference assessment (MSWO) A stimulus preference assessment in which the client is presented with three or more stimuli at the same time, and the client’s choices are recorded. The chosen stimulus is removed…Naturalistic free operant stimulus preference assessment A stimulus preference assessment conducted in a client’s everyday environment, during which the client is given noncontingent access to all of the stimuli in their natural environment while an assessor…In-the-moment reinforcer analysis A reinforcer assessment used to make an in-the-moment determination about potential reinforcers by examining a client’s affect/emotional response (e.g. laughing, smiling, neutral face, frowning, crying, etc.) and noting if there…Contrived free operant stimulus preference assessment A stimulus preference assessment in which a client’s environment is filled with a variety of potentially preferred stimuli. The client is then given noncontingent access to all of the stimuli…Concurrent schedule reinforcer assessment A reinforcer assessment that identifies the contingency that is most effective as a reinforcer (i.e., which produces the most responding) when two or more contingencies operate on two or more…Breaking point When during a progressive-ratio schedule reinforcer assessment, responding decreases or stops due to response requirements exceeding the relative effectiveness of the reinforcement schedule.Asking stimulus preference assessment A stimulus preference assessment in which an assessor asks the client or relevant individuals about the client’s specific preferences or offers the client a pre-task choice from items identified as…Dana Do's: Exploring the Four Types of Reinforcer Assessments PTB founder Dana Meller discusses reinforcer assessments, which should not be confused with stimulus preference assessments.Dana Do's: Will Reinforcer Assessments be on the BCBA® Exam? The Task List and the TCO (Test Content Outline) both include preference assessments. But, they don't mention reinforcer assessments. Does that mean that reinforcer assessments will not be on the exam? Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Choice-Making PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question that focuses on understanding preferences and reinforcement, and how analyzing choices can provide a window into what reinforces behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-5: Conduct preference assessments.This Reinforcer Assessment Evaluates SR+ Effectiveness: From M&M® Bliss to Breaking Point PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses a reinforcer assessment method used to evaluate the effectiveness of preferred items as reinforcers under high response requirements. Learn how this assessment helps determine the breaking point, where a reinforcer loses its value due to increasing demands, and how it aids in making informed decisions on reinforcement strategies. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-5: Conduct preference assessments.ABA Terminology Challenge ➠ Ratio Strain vs. Breaking Point PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the distinctions between ratio strain and breaking point. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.; and F-5: Conduct preference assessments.
