ERIC Number: EJ767628
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 5
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-8855
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Antecedent Effects of Observing Peer Play
Bruzek, Jennifer L.; Thompson, Rachel H.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, v40 n2 p327-331 Sum 2007
The relative reinforcing value of toys was assessed in the absence of, and immediately following, participant observation of a peer manipulating one of the materials toys. Preference assessments were used to identify preference hierarchies. Reinforcer assessments were conducted with the most high-preferred preference item, a low-preference the least preferred item, and a control. Each participant allocated responding toward the high-preference item during baseline. When reinforcer assessment sessions were preceded by a peer observation period, 3 of the 4 participants shifted allocation to the toy manipulated by the peer. The 4th participant only shifted allocation only when the high-preference stimulus was replaced with a medium-preference item stimulus. These data suggest that, among preschoolers, response allocation is influenced by observations of peers playing. (Contains 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Toys, Reinforcement, Participant Observation, Play, Peer Influence, Preschool Children, Responses
Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. Available from: Department of Applied Behavioral Science. Kansas University, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045-2133. Tel: 785-841-4425; Fax: 785-841-4425; e-mail: behavior@mail.ku.edu; Web site: http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/index.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A