The best way to determine if something is reinforcing is to:
A)ask the individual what they prefer for a reinforcer
B)watch others perform the same behavior and find out what reinforces them and then use that with the individual of concern
C)conduct an experimental test in which you present an item following some behavior on several trials to see if the frequency of that behavior increases
D)provide a choice situation in which the "something" is presented along with known reinforcers to see if it will be chosen by the subject instead of the known reinforcers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best way to determine if something is reinforcing is to conduct an experimental test in which you present an item following some behavior on several trials to see if the frequency of that behavior increases. This allows for a clear and objective measurement of whether or not the item is actually serving as a reinforcer for the individual of concern. While asking the individual what they prefer for a reinforcer (A) and providing a choice situation (D) can also be helpful in determining potential reinforcers, they are not as reliable as conducting an experimental test. Watching others perform the same behavior and finding out what reinforces them (B) may also be informative, but it is important to note that individual preferences for reinforcers can vary widely.

The Best Way to Determine If Something Is Reinforcing Is