Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement Preference Assessment for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) generally have behavior support plans that are based on a functional behavioral assessment. This article provides educators practical guidelines for conducting a multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment to rank order preferred activities that will align with the function of behavior for use in behavioral interventions. The use of highly preferred reinforcers to reduce student problem behaviors can enhance educational outcomes for the student.

Using Multiple-Stimulus Without Replacement Preference Assessments to Increase Student Engagement and Performance

Multiple-stimulus without replacement preference assessment is a research-based method for identifying appropriate rewards for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. This article presents a brief history of how this technology evolved and describes a step-by-step approach for conducting the procedure. A discussion of necessary materials and data sheets is included. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate how the procedure can be used to improve behavioral and academic outcomes.