Effects of Choice of Work Tasks on On-Task, Aberrant, Happiness and Unhappiness Behaviours of Persons with Developmental Disabilities.

Abstract

Effects of choice versus no choice of work tasks on work performance, inappropriate behaviours, happiness and unhappiness indices were examined in three studies. Study 1 examined the effects of a choice between a high and a low preference task, versus the assignment of the high preference task. Study 2 was similar to Study 1 except that the tasks in the choice condition were equally and moderately preferred. Study 3 was conducted by the participants' instructors in their natural work settings. A total of five participants were involved across the three studies. Very few differences were found under the choice and no-choice conditions. More research is needed to examine the role of reinforcement history in establishing stimulus control effects of choice.