Reinforcer Assessment
Definition
A direct test of whether an item actually functions as a reinforcer, by delivering it contingent on a response and measuring whether the response increases. It is the step after a preference assessment: preference predicts reinforcement but does not guarantee it, and the only proof is an effect on behavior.
In plain language
Checking whether a preferred item really makes behavior go up when it is used as a reward. Liking something is not the same as working for it.
Example
The top-ranked item is delivered for each completed task and the rate of task completion is compared with sessions using the second-ranked item.
Not reinforcer assessment
Ranking items by how often the learner chose them. That is a preference assessment; nothing was made contingent on behavior.
See also
Written from
- fisher-1992
Written from Fisher et al. (1992) and related reinforcer-assessment literature. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.