How Teachers Can Use Paired Stimulus Preference Assessments to Motivate Students
Heyy BCBA Ruby here! 👋
As a teacher, you know that motivation is key to student success. But how do you figure out what truly excites and engages each child? That’s where the Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment (PSPA) comes in! This structured assessment helps identify strong reinforcers by offering students choices between two items at a time.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what PSPA is, why it’s beneficial for the classroom, and how you can use it to boost engagement, improve behavior, and support learning.
What is a Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment (PSPA)?
A Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment is a systematic way to determine a student’s top reinforcers by presenting two options at a time and recording their choices. It’s different from free play observations because it forces a clear preference—students must pick one item over another each time.
🔹 Example: If a student is given the choice between a fidget toy and a sticker, which one do they pick? If they consistently choose the fidget toy, it’s likely a strong reinforcer!
By repeatedly presenting different pairs and tracking selections, you can rank student preferences and use them to enhance motivation in learning activities.
Why Should Teachers Use PSPA?
✅ Identifies Strong Reinforcers – Helps pinpoint what truly motivates each student, making it easier to encourage participation and engagement.
✅ Creates a Personalized Learning Experience – Knowing a child’s top preferences allows you to customize reinforcers and make learning fun.
✅ Enhances Behavior Management – Preferred items can be used as incentives for completing tasks, following directions, and improving focus.
✅ Supports Students with Autism and Learning Differences – PSPA is especially beneficial for students who struggle with communication and may not express their preferences verbally.
How to Conduct a Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment in the Classroom
Step 1: Gather Potential Reinforcers
Select 6-8 items or activities that the student may enjoy. These could include toys, snacks, fidgets, art supplies, stickers, or even classroom privileges (e.g., extra recess time).
Choose a mix of sensory, tangible, and social reinforcers.
Step 2: Present Items in Pairs
Show the student two items at a time and ask them to pick one (e.g., “Do you want the bubbles or the Play-Doh?”).
Let the student interact with the chosen item for a few seconds before moving to the next pair.
Step 3: Track Selections
Record which items the student chooses most often.
Rotate through all possible pairings until each item has been presented against every other item at least once.
Step 4: Rank Preferences
Identify the most frequently chosen items—these are the student’s highly preferred reinforcers.
Use these top-ranked reinforcers to encourage learning, participation, and positive behaviors.
Example of PSPA in Action
👦 Meet Alex: A student who sometimes struggles with transitions and staying on task. His teacher wants to find out what motivates him the most.
Assessment Setup:
The teacher selects six reinforcers: bubbles, Play-Doh, stickers, a fidget spinner, extra iPad time, and coloring pages.
Alex is presented with pairs of items multiple times.
Results:
Alex consistently picks bubbles and extra iPad time over other options.
His teacher now uses bubbles and iPad time as rewards for completing classwork and transitioning smoothly between activities.
By using PSPA, the teacher avoids ineffective reinforcers and instead focuses on what truly motivates Alex!
Tips for Using PSPA Effectively
✔ Keep it short and engaging – Limit each assessment session to 5-10 minutes to maintain attention.
✔ Reassess regularly – Preferences change! Conduct a PSPA every few months to ensure you’re using the most effective reinforcers.
✔ Use a variety of options – Include tangible (e.g., toys), sensory (e.g., music, bubbles), and social (e.g., praise, high-fives) reinforcers.
✔ Incorporate preferences into the curriculum – If a student loves stickers, use them as rewards for completing assignments. If they love Play-Doh, incorporate it into hands-on learning activities.
Final Thoughts: Why PSPA is a Must-Have Tool for Teachers
A Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment is a simple but powerful way to understand what truly motivates your students. By using PSPA, you can create a more engaging classroom, reinforce positive behaviors, and support individualized learning.
Want more tips on reinforcement strategies? Stay tuned for more ABA-based classroom strategies!
