Further evaluation of the multiple-stimulus preference assessment.

The team ran a short MSWO (multiple-stimulus without replacement) preference test with nine adults who had severe or profound intellectual disability.

They then checked if the item each person picked first really worked as a reinforcer during a simple task session.

For six of the nine participants, the top pick did increase correct responses — a 67 % hit rate.

Three people’s favorite item did not work; the item looked preferred but failed to strengthen behavior.

Ivancic et al. (1996) warned that high preference does not guarantee reinforcement, especially when clients rarely approach items. Geckeler et al. (2000) confirm the same warning with a cleaner MSWO method.

Storch et al. (2012) later showed a single paired-stimulus (PS) trial predicts reinforcer strength just as well as daily MSWOs, so you can choose the faster format.

Denis et al. (2011) pooled studies on non-aversive reinforcement for self-injury in profound ID and found big reductions, reminding us that once a true reinforcer is found, treatment can work.

You now have data showing the MSWO is useful but not perfect. Run the 2-minute assessment, then quickly probe the top item in a short task. If responding does not jump, move to the second pick or switch to a brief PS test instead of assuming the client is “not motivated.” This simple check saves hours of ineffective therapy later.