What is a free operant preference assessment?

A free operant preference assessment is characterized by allowing the individual the autonomy to select from a variety of available options without constraints. This assessment aims to observe and identify potential preferences by observing which items or activities the individual engages with spontaneously over a given period. The key aspect of this approach is that the individual can freely choose from items that are accessible to them, facilitating a naturalistic assessment of their interests.

This method is particularly useful in applied behavior analysis because it relies on the individual's choices, which can provide valuable insights into their preferences without the pressure of structured choices or imposed limits. By watching how often and for how long the individual engages with different stimuli, practitioners can gather data to inform interventions and develop more effective reinforcing strategies tailored to the individual’s likes and interests.