| Abstract: | Five students classified as profoundly/multiply handicapped were trained to use microswitches to indicate reinforcer preferences. The students were trained to emit a designated motoric response (raise arm or raise head) which in turn activated a microswitch. The microswitches were connected to battery-operated toys and devices, and served to provide immediate, contingent consequences tothe students for their motoric responding. The results of the investigation were evaluated within a multiple baseline (across students) with alternating treatments (potential reinforcers) design. During baseline, the students were provided withthe switches and devices, butthe switches were not connected tothe devices. Duringthe training conditions, the switches activatedthe devices. Evaluation of the devices was conducted by recordingthe cumulative frequency and duration of the students' responses. Whenthe microswitches activatedthe devices during training, a substantial increase inthe duration of motoric responding occurred for all students. In addition, some students performed differentially across devices, suggesting that they had reinforcer preferences. |
