Evaluation of Absolute and Relative Reinforcer Value Using Progressive-Ratio Schedules
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2008-05
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Francisco, Monica T.; Borrero, John C.; Sy, Jolene R.; Evaluation of Absolute and Relative Reinforcer Value Using Progressive-Ratio Schedules; Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 41(2): 189–202 (2008); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408336/
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Abstract
We evaluated behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities using progressive-ratio (PR) schedules. High- and low-preference stimuli were determined based on the results of a paired-stimulus preference assessment and were evaluated in subsequent reinforcer and PR assessments using concurrent and single schedules of presentation. In Experiment 1, results showed that for 2 of 3 participants, stimuli determined to be low-preference functioned as reinforcers when evaluated independent of high-preference stimuli. Further, the results from Experiment 2 showed that low-preference stimuli also functioned as reinforcers under gradually increasing PR requirements. Results suggest that for cases in which a high-preference stimulus is unavailable or impractical, the contingent delivery of relatively less preferred stimuli may maintain appropriate behavior, even as schedule requirements increase.