An evaluation of methylphenidate as a potential establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers
Links to Files
Collections
Author/Creator
Author/Creator ORCID
Date
Type of Work
Department
Program
Citation of Original Publication
Northup, John; Fusilier, Iantha; Swanson, Victoria; Roane, Henry; Borrero, John; An evaluation of methylphenidate as a potential establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers; Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 30(4): 615–625 (1997); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1284079/
Rights
This item is likely protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Unless on a Creative Commons license, for uses protected by Copyright Law, contact the copyright holder or the author.
Abstract
We conducted reinforcer assessments for 3 boys with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who alternately received either placebo or previously prescribed methylphenidate. Our purpose was to evaluate whether methylphenidate altered the relative reinforcing effectiveness of various stimuli that are often used in classroom-based behavioral treatment programs (e.g., activities, tangible items). Results showed clear differences for some stimuli between reinforcer assessments conducted when participants had received methylphenidate compared to placebo. Results suggest that methylphenidate might act as an establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers. Implications for the development and evaluation of behavioral treatments are discussed.