Task Analysis: Forced Choice Preference Assessment

Step 1: Setting up the room/Preparation to run a session

1. You will need: table, chairs, a pool of stimuli (usually no more than ten items) chosen
based on prior reports from parents, teachers, or care providers as possible reinforcing
items (i.e., toys, edibles) and a timer.
2. Arrange the table with the two chairs side by side.
3. The table should be clear of all materials.
4. Have the predetermined stimuli to be used for preference assessment within an arms
length.
5. Set your timing device if necessary (e.g., timer set for 5-s).
6. If necessary, remove other distractions from the environment (e.g., music playing in the
background).
7. Instruct the child to sit at the table (i.e., Johnny, sit down at the table).
Step 2: Presentation of Stimuli
1. Each stimulus from the selected array of stimuli must be presented in a pair in a
randomized order.
2. Place two stimuli 0.7 m apart, and 0.7 meters in front of the student on the table.
3. The student will approach one of the two stimuli. Allow access to that stimulus for 5
seconds while removing the other stimulus. At the end of the 5 seconds, remove the
stimulus. If the student approaches an edible, wait until the child has completely
consumed the edible.
4. If the student approaches both stimuli simultaneously, block both responses and wait for
the child to approach one of the two presented stimuli.
5. If the student does not approach either of the stimuli within 5 seconds, provide a least to
most prompt to the student to sample each stimulus one after the other. Allow access to
each stimulus for 5 seconds while removing the other stimulus. At the end of the 5
seconds, remove the stimulus. If both the stimuli presented are edibles, allow the student
to sample each edible. Wait until the child has completely consumed the edible.

6. After the student has sampled each stimulus, place the same two stimuli back in their
position and wait for the student to approach one of the two stimuli. Allow access to that
stimulus for 5 seconds while removing the other stimulus. At the end of the 5 seconds,
remove the stimulus. If the student approaches an edible, wait until the child has
completely consumed the edible.
7. If the student did not approach either of the stimuli during the repeat presentation,
remove both the items and begin the next trial.
8. Each stimulus will be presented at least once while paired with every other stimulus in
the manner described above. Presenting each stimulus while paired with all the other
stimuli will allow you to determine a relative preference for each stimulus.
Step 3: Ending the Session
1. After each stimulus has been paired once with every other stimulus, end the session and
evaluate the data obtained from the session; review the flow chart for indicators of the
next condition to be conducted.