What is the main goal of a preference assessment?

The main goal of a preference assessment is to identify potentially motivating objects or activities. This process is crucial in understanding what items or experiences an individual finds appealing and would be excited to engage with. By determining these preferences, practitioners can utilize highly preferred items or activities as reinforcers in behavioral interventions, which can enhance learning outcomes and increase engagement.

Identifying motivating factors is essential for tailoring interventions that are enjoyable and engaging for the individual, thus improving their overall success in various programs. This assessment provides valuable insights that guide subsequent practices and strategies to ensure that interventions are effective and conducive to the individual's growth and development.

In this context, measuring performance quality, evaluating efficiency, or collecting data on preferred times do not directly address the fundamental purpose of a preference assessment, which is primarily focused on uncovering interests and motivators to inform practice.