MacNaul et al. 2021

Detailed Outline of Literature Review of Preference Assessment Stability

I. Authors & Date

• A. Hannah MacNaul1, Catia Cividini‐Motta2, Shannon Wilson2, Hunter Di Paola2

• B. Date Received: 3 November 2020

• C. Accepted: 6 May 2021

• D. DOI: 10.1002/bin.1797

II. Abstract

• A. Importance of identifying effective reinforcers for interventions concerning individuals with disabilities.

  • 1. Reinforcers are essential for promoting behavior modification and skill acquisition.

• B. Definition and Role of Preference Assessments

  • 1. Systematic approaches to identifying individual preferences.

  • 2. Integral to developing tailored intervention strategies that enhance engagement and effectiveness.

• C. Overview of the Review

  • 1. Comprehensive review of findings from 20 studies exploring preference stability.

  • 2. Analysis of influencing factors:

    • a. Inter-Assessment Interval (IAI).

    • b. Assessment format (e.g., paired-stimulus versus single-stimulus).

    • c. Types of stimuli utilized (e.g., leisure items, edibles).

  • 3. Key findings on optimal assessment practices that ensure accurate and stable preference identification.

III. Introduction

• A. Role of Reinforcing Stimuli

  • 1. Essential in behavior-analytic programming to promote desired behaviors.

  • 2. Critical in understanding individual preferences for effective intervention planning.

• B. Importance of Valid Methodologies

  • 1. Necessity for reliable and valid methods to ascertain preferences in various contexts.

  • 2. Methodological rigor enhances the credibility and effectiveness of interventions.

IV. Importance of Reinforcing Stimuli

• A. Connection to Instructional Methodologies

  • 1. Leveraging reinforcement in practices such as discrete trial training and natural environment teaching.

• B. Influence on Skill Acquisition and Behavior Reduction

  • 1. Appropriate reinforcers expedite learning and the adoption of functional skills.

  • 2. Effective in decreasing problematic behaviors by engaging desired behaviors through reinforcement.

V. Preference Assessments

• A. Functionality in Identifying Preferred Stimuli

  • 1. Provide insight into what motivates and engages individuals, improving intervention outcomes.

• B. Issues with Consistency in Clinical Practice

  • 1. Variability in assessment practices undermines the reliability of preference data.

• C. Historical Context of Shifting Preferences

  • 1. Recognition that preferences may change due to context, time, and experiences, necessitating ongoing assessment.

VI. Factors Influencing Preference Stability

• A. Length of Time Between Assessments (IAI)

  • 1. Shorter interval assessments generally yield higher stability in preferences.

• B. Events or Circumstances Between Assessments

  • 1. Contextual changes or shifts in experiences can influence an individual’s preferences.

• C. Types of Stimuli

  • 1. Differences between categories such as leisure activities and edible items may impact preference stability.

• D. Assessment Formats

  • 1. Variability in outcomes based on whether assessments are conducted using paired-stimulus formats versus single-stimulus formats.

VII. Methodology

• A. Search Procedures

  • 1. Databases utilized include ERIC, PubMed, and Web of Science for a comprehensive literature search.

  • 2. Intensive article identification, selection, and filtering process to curate a relevant dataset.

• B. Inclusion Criteria

  • 1. Focus on human subjects within peer-reviewed, English-language publications.

  • 2. Inclusion of studies detailing direct preference assessments and correlating stability coefficients.

• C. Descriptive Synthesis

  • 1. Evaluated characteristics of selected studies including participant demographics, assessment contexts, and methodologies employed.

VIII. Results

• A. Participant Characteristics

  • 1. Overview of participants' demographic diversity including age, gender, and diagnoses (e.g., ASD, ADHD).

• B. Treatment Settings

  • 1. Description of various settings such as clinical environments, residential care, and educational settings in which studies were conducted.

• C. Formats of Preference Assessments

  • 1. Analysis of effectiveness and outcomes across different assessment formats used (e.g., paired-stimulus, multiple-stimulus).

• D. Inter-Assessment Interval (IAI)

  • 1. Classification and detailed findings about the effects of IAI on preference stability.

• E. Stability Analysis

  • 1. Presentation of correlation coefficients from studies assessing stability, including insights on best practices for assessments.

IX. Discussion

• A. Key Findings

  • 1. Identification of optimal IAI (8-30 days) and formats for maximizing stability in preferences (paired-stimulus).

• B. Practical Implications

  • 1. Emphasizes the urgency of integrating preference assessments systematically within clinical practice to enhance intervention effectiveness.

• C. Research Gaps

  • 1. Highlighting the necessity for further exploration of extended intervals and diverse stimulus categories to enrich understanding of preference dynamics.

X. Acknowledgments

• A. Contextualization of the research study within doctoral degree requirements, acknowledging institutional support and mentorship.

XI. Ethical Statement

• A. Affirmation of compliance with ethical research standards, noting that no human subjects were involved in the study.

XII. References

• A. Summation and citation of studies referenced throughout the literature review, providing a foundation for the analysis and supporting claims made in the review.