Free-Operant Preference Assessment
Also called: free operant observation, naturalistic preference assessment
Definition
A preference assessment in which the person has free access to several items or activities at once and the observer records how long they engage with each. Nothing is removed and no choice is forced. It is quick, low-effort for the person, and useful when removing items would itself provoke problem behavior.
In plain language
Let the person have everything at once and time how long they spend with each thing. Nothing is taken away, so it is gentle.
Example
Over five minutes in a play area, the learner spends three minutes at the sand table and none with the puzzles.
Not free-operant preference assessment
Presenting items in pairs and recording the choice. That is a paired-stimulus format.
See also
Written from
- roane-1998
Written from Roane et al. (1998). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.