The effects of presession attention on tacting

J Appl Behav Anal. 2014 Spring;47(1):176-80. doi: 10.1002/jaba.83. Epub 2013 Sep 23.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of presession attention on tacting. Presession intervals of deprivation and satiation of attention were followed by a progressive-ratio assessment in which the number of tacts was measured. For 2 participants, deprivation resulted in increased tacting compared to satiation. The 3rd participant showed no differential responding. These results suggest that antecedent-based interventions could increase the efficiency of tact training.

Keywords: attention; deprivation; functional analysis; motivating operations; progressive ratio; satiation; tact; verbal behavior.

MeSH terms

  • Attention / physiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Discrimination, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation / physiology*
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Verbal Behavior / physiology*