Assessing Fundamental Prerequisites

Step 1: Establishing Primary Response Mode

  1. Model or otherwise prompt touch responses to computer-presented pictures representing effective reinforcing consequences(previously identified in interviews), and deliver those identified consequences contingent on responses
  2. As necessary, refine touch response topography by response shaping
  3. Model and assess capabilities to respond in other ways (joystick, mouse, etc.), potentially eliminating the need to use a touchscreen-equipped machine
  4. If other response modes are possible, refine topography by shaping

Step 2: Survey Range of Effective Reinforcing Consequences

  1. Assess effectiveness of computer-presented social reinforcers and/or computer-presented secondary reinforcers (e.g., points).
  2. If ineffective, establish tangible secondary reinforcers (e.g., token training)
  3. If unsuccessful, evaluate other reinforcers (foods, music, etc.)

Step 3: Determine Optimal Consequence Mixtures and Schedule Tolerances

  1. Where computer-presented social reinforcers have been partially effective, intermix social and tangible reinforcers (establish optimal proportions)
  2. Using established effective consequences, evaluate response to intermittent reinforcement schedules and concurrent schedule sensitivity
  3. As needed, provide further training to increase schedule sensitivity
  4. Assess stability of schedule performances
  5. Adjust schedules, as needed, to support stable performances

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