Finding What Motivates Your Client
To teach new skills, you need effective reinforcers. Preference assessments help you identify what the client wants in that moment. You need to know the differences between methods for the RBT exam.
Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO)
You present an array of items (e.g., 5 toys). The client picks one. You let them play, then remove that item from the array. They pick from the remaining 4. This creates a hierarchy of preferred items.
Paired Stimulus (Forced Choice)
You present two items at a time and ask the client to "pick one." You run through every pair combination. This allows you to see exactly which items are preferred over others. It is time-consuming but highly accurate.
Free Operant
You simply observe what the client engages with in a free-play environment. This is good for clients who have trouble scanning an array or engaging in structured tasks. It is low pressure.