The effects of presession exposure to attention on the results of assessments of attention as a reinforcer

The effects of presession exposure to attention on responding during subseq uent assessments of attention as a reinforcer were evaluated across three b ehavioral assessments. In Experiment 1, a contingent attention assessment c ondition was preceded by either a noncontingent attention condition (free p lay) or a contingent escape condition. In Experiment 2, a diverted attentio n with extinction condition was preceded by either an alone or a free-play condition. In Experiment 3, a two-choice preference assessment was preceded by either 10 min of free play or 10 min of playing alone. In each experime nt, the participant responded differentially within the test condition acco rding to the presence or absence of dense schedules of attention immediatel y prior to that condition. The results of this study show that events occur ring immediately prior to an assessment condition can influence behavior wi thin the assessment.