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| OBM in Human Service Settings |
| Tuesday, May 31, 2005 |
| 10:30 AM–11:20 AM |
| Joliet (3rd floor) |
| Area: OBM |
| Chair: Jamie Waldvogel (Southern Illinois University) |
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| Rearranging the Contingencies of Reinforcement in a Shelter Home |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| ANTHONY C. STOVER (Behavior Analysis & Therapy, Inc.), Stephen P. Starin (Behavior Analysis & Therapy, Inc.) |
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| Abstract: The study consisted of a two-part training with a follow-up component to increase the probability of maintenance and generalization. The first training consisted of a standardized course focusing on the prevention of severe problem behaviors and placement disruptions among dependent children. Results of the first training displayed continuous inconsistencies in the implementation of the shelter’s level system and continuous reliance on delivering chore cards instead of tokens. The second training consisted of the re-training of the level system and implementation based on the principles of behavior. Results displayed an increase in client performance, performance levels, and consistent distribution of tokens along with a decrease in opportunities to deliver chore cards. A follow-up component was initiated to maintain the behaviors and generalize the procedures to new staff. Results indicated maintenance and generalization across time, staff, and clients. |
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| Preference and Reinforcer Assessments with Direct Care Staff in a Human Service Agency |
| Domain: Service Delivery |
| JAMIE WALDVOGEL (Southern Illinois University), Mark R. Dixon (Southern Illinois University) |
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| Abstract: The present study compared two variations of stimulus preference assessments: a survey in which direct service employees ranked their preferences for a variety of items, and a multiple stimulus preference assessments without replacement (MSWO), in which textual cues were used to represent the items. Results obtained for 3 participants revealedsimilar preference hierarchies across each type of stimulus preference assessment for two of the three participants, with one participant demonstrating variations in her preference hierarchy during the MSWO, when compared with the ranking survey. Subsequent reinforcer assessments revealed that, for two of three participants, both the most and least preferred items functioned as reinforcers for job performance, resulting in better performance when compared to initial levels observed during baseline. Subsequent reversals to baseline conditions failed to produce predicted decreases in performance suggesting that natural contingencies, the presence of the observer, or both may have sustained high levels of job performance. |
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