Reinforcer choice as an antecedent versus consequence

J Appl Behav Anal. 2016 Jun;49(2):286-93. doi: 10.1002/jaba.284. Epub 2016 Jan 21.

Abstract

Four children with autism received opportunities to choose among several preferred stimuli either immediately before or after task responding. The response requirement for reinforcement systematically increased within each session. Two children engaged in higher levels of responding when reinforcement choice was provided as an antecedent to task completion, and 3 of the 4 children showed a preference for the antecedent choice condition.

Keywords: antecedent; autism; reinforcer choice; task performance.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Choice Behavior / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reaction Time
  • Reinforcement Schedule
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*