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Degree

Specialist in Education, Miami University, School Psychology, 2008.

Abstract

This study examined the predictability and stability of self-nomination and verbal forced choice reinforcer assessment methods. Reinforcers identified by self-nomination and verbal forced choice were compared to experimentally-established reinforcers to determine the ability of these two reinforcer assessment methods to accurately predict effective reinforcers. The study used an academically relevant maze passage to determine actual reinforcers. These methods were repeated four times within subjects to determine stability over time. These methods were completed with 15 elementary-age children in an analogue classroom setting. The results were analyzed using Kappa to eliminate chance agreement. Verbal forced choice was found to have more significant predictability than the nomination survey. When the procedures were replicated multiple times, nomination survey became more accurate, but verbal forced choice became more accurate as well. Ultimately, verbal forced choice was the most effective method for predicting reinforcers.

Subject Headings

Behaviorial sciences; Educational psychology; Elementary education

Keywords

stimulus preference assessment; reinforcer assessment; reinforcement; classroom setting; nomination survey; forced choice

Committee / Advisors

Jones Kevin, PhD (Committee Chair)
Katherine Wickstrom, PhD (Committee Member)
Steuart Watson, PhD (Committee Member)
Tonya Watson, PhD (Committee Member)

Pages

32p.

Document number: miami1216247455
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1216247455

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