A Comparison of the Response‐Restriction Free Operant and Paired‐Stimulus Preference Assessments for Children Who Exhibit Challenging Behavior
Use RR free operant preference tests to keep reinforcer quality while slashing problem behavior.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Herbek et al. (2026) compared two ways to find reinforcers for kids who hit, bite, or scream. One way is the paired-stimulus preference assessment (PSPA). The other is the response-restriction free operant (RR free operant) method.
They used an alternating-treatments design. Each child tried both methods. The team watched which toys the child picked most and how much problem behavior happened.
What they found
Both methods gave the same top toys. The RR free operant way caused far less hitting, biting, and screaming. It took a few more minutes to finish.
How this fits with other research
Cohen-Almeida et al. (2000) also compared formats. They found asking kids to name items saved time and still matched tangible picks. Herbek adds a new twist: when behavior is tough, giving free access under gentle rules beats forced choices.
Kahng et al. (1999) showed real items beat picture cards. Herbek keeps the real items but swaps the format, proving you can keep potency and cut aggression.
Hanley et al. (2003) first used response-restriction to shift likes. Herbek moves the same idea into plain preference screening, showing it doubles as a behavior-reduction tool.
Why it matters
If a client throws toys during paired-stimulus trials, switch to RR free operant tomorrow. Let the child enter the room, play with items, and gently block taking more than one at a time. You still get a clear toy ranking with almost zero problem behavior. The extra minutes pay off in safer, calmer sessions.
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Join Free →Set out five toys, let the child roam, and allow only one item in each hand—record picks and count bites; stop the session when you have a clear winner list.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
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.
Behavioral Interventions, 2026 · doi:10.1002/bin.70081