Assessing object-to-picture and picture-to-object matching as prerequisite skills for pictorial preference assessments

Abstract

Tangible and pictorial paired-stimulus (PPS) preference assessments were compared for 6 individuals with developmental disabilities. During tangible and PPS assessments, two edible items or photographs were presented on each trial, respectively, and approach responses were recorded. Both assessments yielded similar preference hierarchies for 3 participants who could match pictures and objects but different hierarchies for 3 participants who could not. Reinforcer assessments verified that items identified as high preference on PPS assessments functioned as reinforcers only for participants with matching skills.

Figure 1. Stimulus-preference hierarchies for both tangible and pictorial preference assessments for participants with object-picture and picture-object matching skills (Tommy, Matt, and Jeffrey, left panels) and without object-picture and picture-object matching skills (Sam, Katie, and, Mark, right panels).

Solid bars depict the results of the tangible assessment; striped bars depict the results of the pictorial assessment. Spearman rank order correlation coefficients are noted. Stimuli denoted with an asterisk were used in reinforcer assessments.

Figure 2. Response rates across sessions for participants without object-picture and picture-object matching skills (Sam, Katie, and Mark).