Thesis Title
Assessing Displacement and Magnitude Effects on Relative Preferences of Edible and High-tech Leisure Items
Thesis Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Master in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science
Department
Health Professions
Committee Member(s)
Dr. Michele Williams
Dr. Kara Wunderlich
Dr. Ashley Matter
Supervising Faculty Member
Dr. Michele Williams
Abstract
Previous studies have shown when edible and leisure items (e.g., toys) are combined in multiple-stimulus-without-replacement (MSWO) preference assessments, edible items are often more preferred than leisure items by individuals with developmental disabilities (Bojak & Carr, 1999; DeLeon et al., 1997; Fahmie et al., 2015). However, how the inclusion of high-tech items (e.g., iPads ®, tablets, computers) affects preferences when compared to edible items is limited in this body of research. More recently, Conine and Vollmer (2019) demonstrated high-tech items might displace edible items; due to the recent influx of high-tech tangible items used as reinforcers in clinical settings, such as iPads, additional research is warranted. In the current evaluation, we compared the preferences for edible items and high-tech items in an assessment to determine if a displacement effect exists. Next, we manipulated the magnitude of both stimulus classes to assess how greater magnitude influences preference. Results showed high-tech leisure items were more preferred over edible items for 2 out of 3 subjects during the combined MSWO. However, regardless of the magnitude across stimuli, edible items were more likely to be selected during the magnitude assessment in the current study. Implications of the findings as well as future research ideas will be discussed in detail.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Morgan, "Assessing Displacement and Magnitude Effects on Relative Preferences of Edible and High-tech Leisure Items" (2020). Thesis Projects. 17.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/mabacs_thesis/17
Rights Holder
Morgan Smith