Using Progressive Ratio Schedules as a Means of Evaluating Absolute and Relative Reinforcer Value
ORCID
Carolynn Kohn: 0000-0002-2156-4898
Document Type
Poster
Department
Psychology
Conference Title
Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International
Location
San Diego, CA
Conference Dates
May 25-29, 2007
Date of Presentation
5-26-2007
Abstract
We evaluated behavior exhibited by 3 individuals with developmental disabilities using progressive ratio schedules. High- and low-preferred stimuli (i.e., edibles) were determined based on the results of a paired-stimulus preference assessment (Fisher et al., 1992) and were evaluated in subsequent reinforcer and progressive ratio assessments using a modified reversal design. Data were collected on responding to arbitrary tasks associated with high- and low-preferred edibles under concurrent and single operant schedules of presentation. Results showed that for two of three 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.
Recommended Citation
Francisco, M. T.,
Borrero, J. C.,
Ross, N. A.,
Beauchamp, K. L.,
Kohn, C. S.,
&
Sy, J. R.
(2007).
Using Progressive Ratio Schedules as a Means of Evaluating Absolute and Relative Reinforcer Value.
Paper presented at Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International in San Diego, CA.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/cop-facpres/1144
