Session Timing
Automated timing for each trial with configurable inter-trial intervals.
Reinforcer Identification
Preference
Assessments
Identify effective reinforcers with MSWO, paired stimulus, and free operant methods. Generate reinforcer hierarchies for intervention planning.
MSWODeLeon & Iwata, 1996
Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement
Present array of items, individual selects one, remove selected item and re-present remaining items.
- Efficient rank ordering
- Quick administration
- Identifies top preferences
PSFisher et al., 1992
Paired Stimulus
Each item paired with every other item. Selection percentage calculated across all presentations.
- Precise differentiation
- Percentage data
- Best for similar items
FORoane et al., 1998
Free Operant
All items available simultaneously. Duration of engagement measured for each item.
- Natural context
- Duration-based
- Low response effort
Assessment Features
Tools for efficient preference assessment administration and analysis
Real-Time Graphing
Live visualization of selection percentages and engagement duration.
Professional Reports
Reinforcer hierarchy reports with methodology citations for documentation.
Reassessment Tracking
Compare results across sessions to track preference stability.
Stimulus Library
Save stimulus items with photos for consistent assessment administration.
Multi-Context
Run assessments across settings to identify context-specific reinforcers.
When to Use Preference Assessments
Systematic reinforcer identification improves intervention effectiveness
Initial Reinforcer Identification
Identify effective reinforcers before starting a new intervention program.
Reinforcer Satiation Monitoring
Track changes in preference over time to prevent reinforcer effectiveness decline.
Token Economy Setup
Identify backup reinforcers for token economy systems.
Treatment Plan Updates
Reassess preferences when intervention effectiveness decreases.
Part of the Complete FBA Toolkit
Preference assessments integrate with indirect assessments, ABC data collection, and BIP generation for comprehensive behavior intervention planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should preference assessments be conducted?
Best practice suggests conducting preference assessments regularly, typically every 1-2 weeks for frequently used reinforcers, or whenever a decrease in intervention effectiveness is observed. Classroom Pulse tracks assessment history to help you identify preference shifts.
Can I add custom stimuli to assessments?
Yes. You can create custom stimulus libraries with item names, descriptions, and photos. These can be organized into categories and reused across assessments for consistency.
How are reinforcer hierarchies calculated?
For MSWO, items are ranked by selection order across trials. For paired stimulus, percentage of selection is calculated. For free operant, duration of engagement determines rankings. All methods produce a ranked hierarchy report.
Can preference assessments be run on mobile devices?
Yes. Preference assessments are fully mobile-optimized for iPad and tablet use during in-vivo administration. The interface is designed for quick data entry during sessions.
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