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ERIC Number: EJ731702
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 12
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0891-4222
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Novel Method for Testing Learning and Preferences in People with Minimal Motor Movement
Saunders, Muriel D.; Saunders, Richard R.; Mulugeta, Akalu; Henderson, Karen; Kedziorski, Terri; Hekker, Bob; Wilson, Shan
Research in Developmental Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v26 n3 p255-266 May-Jun 2005
Ten individuals with profound multiple impairments were given novel tests for learning and preference with adaptive switches and leisure-oriented devices, such as audio tape players. Typically, tests for learning include a baseline or extinction component in which the adaptive switch and device are not connected as a control for incidental or involuntary switch use. As an alternative, conditions were compared in sets of six sessions each in which switch closure caused (a) Activation of a device, (b) Deactivation of an already operating device, and (c) Deactivation of one of two devices and Activation of the other (Two-Choice). Changes in behavior indicative of learning were observed in eight participants in Activation-Deactivation conditions. The Two-Choice Condition produced indices of learning that also showed a preference for one device over the other with five participants. The preferences observed in the Two-Choice Condition had not been seen in the Activation or Deactivation Condition data. People with profound multiple impairments evinced leisure-device preferences, but such preferences may not lead to differential responding across opportunities with only one device at a time.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A