Predicting Novel Leisure Reinforcers Based on Preference Category

ABSTRACT Research has shown that novel edible reinforcers can be identified based on category following a preference assessment of similar items in representative categories. The current study aimed to expand this research by determining preference based on category (e.g., squishy, fuzzy, bumpy, stringy, etc.) through the utilization of leisure items using an 8‐item multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment. Three adolescent males participated in the study; each was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and was selected for the study based on classroom teacher reports that they would benefit from an expanded potential reinforcer pool and increased leisure engagement. An 8‐item MSWO preference assessment including items from four categories was used to identify high preference categories for each participant. Based upon these results, the researchers determined whether novel leisure items from the high preference category would function as reinforcers using a concurrent‐operants arrangement. Results showed that for all participants, both high preference tested leisure items and high preference novel leisure items functioned as reinforcers, measuring engagement with the item as the dependent variable. Results are discussed in terms of the utility of predicting novel leisure items that function as reinforcers based on sensory category.