Effects of computer‐aided instruction on the implementation of the MSWO stimulus preference assessment

Arnal Wishnowski et al. (2018) built a short online course. It had a PDF manual and a three-minute video that showed every step of the MSWO preference assessment.

They asked college students and agency staff to watch the clip and read the packet. No coach stood beside them. The team then scored how well each learner set out items, gave the instruction, and recorded choices.

After the self-instruction package, every learner hit 90% accuracy or higher on the first try. Scores stayed high when the researchers checked again weeks later.

Both students and seasoned staff needed the same short package. No extra feedback or role-play was required.

Griffith et al. (2020) used the same recipe—manual plus video—to teach trial-based functional analyses. Their undergraduates also reached mastery, showing the format works across different ABA skills.

van Vonderen et al. (2010) added live video feedback after in-person instruction. They saw big gains too, but they needed a real trainer and extra time. The 2018 study proves you can skip that step if the video model is clear enough.

Petscher et al. (2006) relied on in-person prompts and self-monitoring to keep staff on track with token boards. Their package worked, yet it demanded daily supervisor time. The online-only route in Arnal Wishnowski et al. (2018) cuts that ongoing cost.

You can email the package today and have confident MSWO results tomorrow. Use it during new-hire orientation, practicum courses, or when you open a new site. One three-minute video replaces hours of live training while keeping fidelity above 90%.