What is a Preference Assessment?
A Preference Assessment is a systematic method used to identify potential reinforcers. In ABA, we do not guess what a client wants; we test it. Just because a child liked gummy bears yesterday does not mean they will work for them today. Preferences are transient and change constantly.
For your RBT practice test, remember that a "Preference Assessment" identifies potential reinforcers. It does not guarantee that the item will function as a reinforcer (increase behavior). Only a "Reinforcer Assessment" verifies that. However, Preference Assessments are the necessary first step.
On the RBT Practice Exam, you will need to know the difference between the main types: Free Operant, Single Stimulus, Paired Stimulus, and Multiple Stimulus.
Why Do We Need Them?
We need strong motivators to teach new skills. If I ask you to do difficult math problems, you might need a paycheck (money). If I offer you a sticker, you likely won't do the work. The same applies to our clients. We use these assessments to find their "paycheck."
Common Types of Preference Assessments
1. Asking (Indirect): Asking the client or caregiver what they like. This is the easiest but least accurate method.
2. Free Operant: Observing the client in a room full of toys and seeing what they play with. Best for clients who engage in problem behavior when items are removed.
3. Trial-Based Methods: Systematically presenting items.
- Single Stimulus: "Successive Choice" (One at a time).
- Paired Stimulus: "Forced Choice" (Two at a time). The Gold Standard.
- Multiple Stimulus: "Array" (Many at a time). Can be with or without replacement (MSW/MSWO).
RBT Practice Exam Tips
If a question asks: "Which assessment is best for a client who has difficulty scanning an array?"
Answer: Paired Stimulus or Single Stimulus. An array (Multiple Stimulus) requires good visual scanning skills.
If a question asks: "Which method is the fastest?"
Answer: Multiple Stimulus without Replacement (MSWO) is generally faster than Paired Stimulus because you rank many items at once.
Clinical Application
Satiation is a real risk. If you assess too often with food, the child will get full and stop working. Use a variety of assessments (tangibles, activities) to keep motivation high.
Always conduct a mini-assessment (Pre-task Choice) before a difficult task. "What do you want to work for right now?" This ensures the reinforcer is valuable in the current moment (Establishing Operation).
Frequently Asked Questions About Preference Assessments
What is the difference between a Preference Assessment and a Reinforcer Assessment?
A Preference Assessment identifies what a client likes. A Reinforcer Assessment verifies if that item actually increases behavior.
How often should I conduct a preference assessment?
Frequently. Preferences change daily or even hourly. A brief assessment should happen before every new teaching session.
What are the 3 categories of preference assessments?
Asking (Surveys/Interviews), Free Operant Observation, and Trial-Based Methods.
Which method provides the most accurate hierarchy?
Paired Stimulus (Forced Choice) is considered the most robust method for creating a ranked list (hierarchy) of preferences.
What if the client likes everything?
Use MSWO or Paired Stimulus. These methods force the client to choose, which reveals which item is more preferred than the others.
What if the client has no scanning skills?
Use Single Stimulus (Successive Choice) or Free Operant. Do not use Multiple Stimulus (Array) if they cannot scan.
Can I use food in a preference assessment?
Yes, but be careful of satiation. Small pieces are best. Also, verify allergies first.
What is "Displacement"?
When a powerful reinforcer (like an iPad) is available, the client might ignore all other toys. We might remove the iPad to see what else they like.
Is this on the RBT Task List?
Yes, Task B-01 "Conduct preference assessments" is a primary skill for RBTs.
What is a "hierarchy" of reinforcers?
A ranked list. High-preference (High-P), Medium-preference (Med-P), and Low-preference (Low-P). We use High-P for difficult tasks.