"A variety of procedures used to determine the stimuli that a person prefers, the relative preference values (high versus low) of those stimuli, the conditions under which those preference values remain in effect, and their presumed value as reinforcers" (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, p. 705).

Also called a "successive choice" method. A stimulus is presented one at a time. Approaches to the items are recorded. Preference is based on whether or not individual approached item. (Pace, Ivancic, Edwards, Iwata, & Page, 1985)

Also called a "forced choice" method. Consists of the simultaneous presentation of two stimuli. The observer records which of the two stimuli the learner chooses. Presentations continue until all stimuli are paired with each other stimulus. A hierarchy can then be formed using the choices. (Fisher, Piazza, Bowman, Hagopian, Owens, & Slevin, 1992).

An extension of the paired-stimulus procedure developed by Fisher and colleagues (1992). The person chooses a preferred stimulus from an array of three or more stimuli (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007).

An extension of the procedures described by Windsor and colleagues (1994). Once an item was selected, DeLeon and Iwata (1996) did not replace previously chosen stimuli. Each choice was among the remaining stimuli.

Developed by Roane and colleagues (1998), participants had free and continuous access to the entire array of stimuli for 5 minutes. Duration of item manipulation is recorded.

"A variety of procedures used to determine (a) the stimuli that the person prefers, (b) the relative preference values of those stimuli, (c) the conditions under which those preference values change when task demands, deprivation states, or schedules of reinforcement are modified." (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, pp. 275-276)

Developed by Hanley and colleagues (2003), a free operant arrangement was used to measure preference. Stimuli with high interaction relative to the other stimuli during a session were restricted for the remaining sessions.