Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Article Analysis - Essay Example The researchers divided the whole procedure into preference assessment, functional analysis, discrimination training and experimental design. For phase 1, the students were given a tight schedule and requirements, which were required to be fulfilled and they were asked to pick one coupon. They were allowed to opt between food item and a break (Kodak, et. al, 2007). Students showed a preference for food item in phase 1. In phase 2, many tangible items were also added to the second reinforcer of break in order to check the preference of students. In second phase, the children showed preference for food item again. In phase 3, the students were allowed to choose between the options a number of times by adding to one option or minimizing from other option such as the food item of high preference was changed with low preference food item or the break time was facilitated with toys, adult attention and so on (Kodak, et. al, 2007). The results obtained from three phases were assessed by the researchers against each other in order to know as to what choices are effective in improving the problem behavior of the child. The children showed a preference for food item when a brief break was available with less facilitation. However, in later phases, when different tangible items were added to the break, the children also showed a preference for the break. According to Kodak, Lerman, Volkert and Trosclair (2007), the inappropriate behavior of children can be improved if highly preferred items are used by teachers and parents as children with autism show a clear indication of diversion towards high preferred items. The reinforcers that are highly preferred should be employed for treatment of problem behavior of children. People should be able to assess individual needs by evaluating the preference of each and every child with developmental disabilities or autism. After