Analysis of activity preferences as a function of differential consequences

Individuals who do not possess the verbal skills to express meaningful choi ce in the absence of its consequences may have difficulty indicating their preference for protracted activities that are unavailable until some time i n the future (e.g., taking a walk, riding a bike). When we examined the pre ferences of 4 individuals wish developmental disabilities by showing them p ictorial representations of various activities, their initial choices showe d no clear preferences. In a subsequent condition, selecting a photograph r esulted in brief access to the depicted activity. When selections produced differential consequences (i.e., access to the activity), clear preferences emerged. In addition, 3 individuals' preferences were later shifted to an initially less preferred bus more socially desirable option by superimposin g additional reinforcement contingencies for engaging in the less preferred activity Results are discussed in terms of the conditions under which choi ce functions as an indicator of preference and how those conditions may be altered to improve the quality of choice making without limiting access to preferred options.