Preference Assessments in Special Education: Types, Procedures, and Applications

What is the purpose of preference assessments?

To determine what is most reinforcing to a student.

Why is reinforcement important in education?

Reinforcement is needed to modify or teach new behaviors, especially for students with moderate to severe disabilities.

What are the different types of preference assessments?

Single-Stimulus, Paired-Stimulus, Eye Gaze, Multiple Stimulus with Replacement (MSW), Multiple Stimulus without Replacement (MSWO).

What does it mean that something 'appears' to be reinforcing?

Just because something appears to be reinforcing does not mean it is actually reinforcing.

What is the procedure for conducting a preference assessment?

Observation, interview, select items, assess student, and use results to help teach new skills or improve problem behavior.

What is the calculation method for determining preference assessment results?

Total number of possible selections available divided by the number of times the item was chosen first.

What is an example of a preference assessment item selection?

Items could include a book, Ninja Turtle, stickers, iPad, Skittles, and an animal.

What does 'Brief without Replacement' mean in preference assessments?

It indicates that the item chosen is not replaced in subsequent trials.

What should students do before the next week in the course?

Watch preference assessment videos, read the article, and complete the handout.

When is the Practice Paper Draft due?

Thursday, 10/23.

What is the significance of the Canella-Malone et al. (2013) article?

It serves as a basis for answering questions related to preference assessments.

What is the focus of the mini lesson scheduled for Tuesday?

Preference Assessments.

What type of students benefit most from preference assessments?

Students with moderate to severe disabilities.

What is the first step in conducting a preference assessment?

Observation of the student.