The role of context in the evaluation of reinforcer efficacy: Implications for the preference assessment outcomes

Highly preferred stimuli were identified via two preference assessments (based on Fisher et al., 1992), the second of which included stimuli that were ranked low in the initial preference assessment. Following the preference assessments, a subset of stimuli was evaluated as reinforcers in single- and concurrent-operant arrangements. In general, stimuli that were identified as highly preferred in the initial preference assessment functioned as more effective reinforcers. These results are discussed in terms of how the context in which stimuli are evaluated may play a role in the identification of effective positive reinforcers for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities.

► We conducted two preference assessments followed by reinforcer assessments and found that stimuli initially identified as highly preferred or less preferred both functioned as effective positive reinforcers when no alternative stimuli were also available (i.e., a single-operant context).
► However, when compared to one another in a concurrent-operant context (i.e., participants had a choice of responding for the initially high preference or low preference stimuli), only the highly preferred stimulus functioned as a reinforcer.
► These results reveal the effects of context on whether a given stimulus will function as an effective reinforcer for individuals with developmental disabilities.