Behavior Assessment Flashcards

Preference assessments are conducted to identify stimuli that may serve as:

Answer: Potential reinforcers

Preference assessments identify high-preference stimuli that are likely to function as reinforcers when used contingently in intervention.

In a paired-stimulus (forced-choice) preference assessment, items are presented:

Answer: Two at a time and the client selects one

In a paired-stimulus assessment, each possible pair of items is presented systematically and approach responses toward each item are tallied to rank preference.

A multiple-stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment differs from a multiple-stimulus with replacement (MSW) in that:

Answer: The chosen item is removed from subsequent trials

In MSWO, once an item is selected it is not returned to the array, making each subsequent choice from a progressively smaller set.

Stimulus control refers to:

Answer: A discriminative stimulus reliably evoking a behavior

Stimulus control exists when a behavior reliably occurs in the presence of a specific antecedent stimulus (SD) and not in its absence.

Reinforcer assessments differ from preference assessments in that reinforcer assessments:

Answer: Verify that a preferred stimulus actually increases behavior when used contingently

Reinforcer assessments empirically test whether a preferred stimulus increases the future frequency of a behavior when delivered contingently.

Which assessment approach uses structured interviews and rating scales completed by parents or caregivers to gather information about behavior?

Answer: Indirect assessment

Indirect assessments rely on verbal reports from people familiar with the client and include tools such as the Functional Assessment Interview (FAI) and QABF.