An evaluation of methylphenidate as a potential establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

1997-11

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/

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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.