Are video-based preference assessments without access to selected stimuli effective?

Cox et al. (2015) asked a simple question. Can you rank toys from a video and still pick real reinforcers?

They ran a paired-stimulus preference assessment on video only. Kids watched two clips, pointed to one, but never got the toy.

Later they tested if the top video picks actually worked as reinforcers in a real task.

The video-only rankings held up. Items chosen most on video later increased responding when delivered as reinforcers.

You can skip the post-selection toy hand-off and still identify what will motivate behavior.

Jarmolowicz et al. (2016) used a different format, MSWO, to rank sexual-partner photos without access. Both studies validate no-access preference assessments, just in different domains.

Horner-Johnson et al. (2002) compared real versus hypothetical money. They found no difference in delay discounting, mirroring R et al.'s finding that not touching the item still predicts its power.

Donahoe et al. (2000) showed high-preference stimuli are essential for NCR to reduce problem behavior. R et al. gives you a quicker way to find those stimuli when time or materials are tight.

If you run early-intervention clinics or school consults, you can now screen reinforcers in minutes. Show two 5-second clips, record the choice, and move on. No toy cleanup, no sharing fights, no lost pieces. Use the list to build treatment packs, token stores, or NCR bins before the child even enters the room.