A Comparison of the Response‐Restriction Free Operant and Paired‐Stimulus Preference Assessments for Children Who Exhibit Challenging Behavior

ABSTRACT Practitioners use stimulus preference assessments to identify stimuli that may subsequently function as reinforcers. However, there may be challenges to implementing preference assessments if the removal of preferred items evokes challenging behavior. Nevertheless, previous research has demonstrated that different preference assessment formats produce varying levels of challenging behavior. In this study, we compared challenging behavior, preference hierarchies, and duration of assessment across a response‐restriction (RR) free operant preference assessment and paired‐stimulus preference assessment (PSPA) for 6 participants referred to an outpatient severe behavior clinic. Results indicated both assessment formats produced similar preference hierarchies while the RR preference assessment resulted in lower rates of challenging behavior for 4 of the 6 participants. Furthermore, the PSPA required less time to complete compared to the RR preference assessment. These results suggest that while both assessments effectively generate preference hierarchies, the RR assessment may be more suitable for individuals prone to challenging behavior, despite its longer duration required to complete.