Training Preservice School Psychologists to Conduct a Stimulus Preference Assessment

Three graduate students learned to run an MSWO preference assessment in one 90-minute meeting.

The trainer showed a short video, modeled the steps, then watched each student practice and gave feedback.

No kids were present; students role-played with adult helpers using toys and snacks.

Every student hit 100% correct steps during the final practice round.

One week later they still scored near perfect when they ran the task again.

Skills held without any extra coaching or review.

Yang (2022) got the same result with special-ed teachers, so the trick works both in class and on campus.

Lavie et al. (2002) did the same thing 20 years ago, but for the older paired-stimulus format. O’Handley swaps in the quicker MSWO checklist.

Jenkins et al. (2016) looked at how many rehearsals staff really need. They found one run with feedback is enough, just like this study.

You can stop running long workshops. One tight BST bundle is enough to hand MSWO skills to new team members.

Try the same recipe with aides, parents, or practicum students: show, do, watch, fix, done.