Further Analysis of the Predictive Effects of a Free-Operant Competing Stimulus Assessment on Stereotypy. Issue 4 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brogan, Kristen M.; Rapp, John T.; Sennott, Lisa A.; Cook, Jennifer L.; Swinkels, Erin
• Other Names: Davis Tonya N. guest-editor.; Rispoli Mandy guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Behavior modification. Volume 42:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 543
• Page End: 583
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: autism -- competing stimulus assessment -- FOCSA -- preference assessment -- stereotypy; Behavior modification -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 153.85
• DOI: 10.1177/0145445517741476
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-4455

Abstract

We conducted five experiments to evaluate the predictive validity of a free-operant competing stimulus assessment (FOCSA). In Experiment 1, we showed that each participant's repetitive behavior persisted without social consequences. In Experiment 2, we used the FOCSA to identify high-preference, low-stereotypy (HP-LS) items for 11 participants and high-preference, high-stereotypy (HP-HS) items for nine participants. To validate the results of the FOCSAs (Experiment 3), we used a three-component multiple schedule to evaluate the immediate and subsequent effects of an HP-LS stimulus, an HP-HS stimulus, or both (in separate test sequences) on each participant's stereotypy. Results of Experiment 3 showed that the FOCSA correctly predicted the immediate effect of the HP-LS stimulus for 10 of 11 participants; however, the FOCSA predictions were less accurate for the HP-HS stimulus. Results of Experiment 4 showed that a differential reinforcement of other behavior procedure in which participants earned access to the HP-LS for omitting vocal stereotypy increased all five participants' latency to engaging in stereotypy; however, clinically significant omission durations were only achieved for one participant. Experiment 5 showed that differential reinforcement of alternative behavior in which participants earned access to the HP-LS stimulus contingent upon correct responses during discrete-trial training reduced targeted and nontargeted stereotypy and increased correct academic responding for all four participants. The potential utility of the FOCSA is discussed.