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Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
John C. Borrero
First Committee Member
Kenneth Beauchamp
Second Committee Member
Carolynn Kohn
Third Committee Member
Roseann Hannon
Abstract
We evaluated behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities using progressive ratio schedules. High- and low-preferred stimuli were determined based on the results of a paired-stimulus preference assessment and were evaluated in subsequent reinforcer and progressive ratio assessments using concurrent- and single-operant schedules of presentation in a modified reversal design. Results showed that for two participants, stimuli determined to be low-preferred via a preference assessment functioned as reinforcers when evaluated independently of high-preferred stimuli and under gradually increasing response requirements. The results suggest that for cases in which a high-preferred stimulus is unavailable or unfeasible, the contingent delivery of relatively less-preferred stimuli may maintain appropriate behavior, even as response effort is increased. In addition, results of the progressive ratio evaluation are suggestive of stimulus value.
Pages
82
Recommended Citation
Francisco, Monica T.. (2007). Evaluation of absolute and relative reinforcer value using progressive ratio schedules. University of the Pacific, Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/672
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