When It Fits
This assessment fits when the client can access multiple items or activities and the practitioner wants minimally intrusive preference information.
Free Operant Observation for Preference Assessment
Free Operant Observation is an ABA direct preference assessment for practitioners. It helps a practitioner arrange multiple accessible items or activities, record approach and engagement duration or frequency with minimal intrusion, and identify preliminary reinforcer candidates from observed engagement.
Set up a sample observation and record engagement.
Interested in using Free Operant Observation with clients? Request access now.
Request access
Request access to Free Operant Observation for Preference Assessment. Enter your email below.
Tool guide
Learn more about this tool
Use this background section to understand when the tool fits, how practitioners use it, and what to consider before sharing it with clients.
What It Captures
It captures observed approach, engagement duration, engagement frequency, non-engagement, actual observation interval, and exposure differences when relevant.
Is this a forced-choice assessment?
No. Free Operant Observation records natural engagement across concurrently available options.
Can an interrupted observation be saved?
Yes. An interrupted observation is marked partial and shows the actual observed interval.
Does high engagement prove an item is a reinforcer?
No. High engagement identifies a preliminary candidate for practitioner consideration or further assessment.