Time-Based Versus Task-Based Contingencies: Which is More Effective for Independent Academic Assignments for Students With Learning Disabilities?

Task interspersal is an academic material modification procedure implemented by adding a sequence of brief tasks prior to more difficult academic tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the interspersal procedure under both time-based (i.e., time allotted to complete task held constant) and task-based (i.e., number of task items held constant) contingencies on choice of academic materials for three students with learning disabilities. Overall, the results showed that during the task-based condition all three students preferred traditional worksheets. Their preferences of task material during the time-based condition were individualized. In addition, two students had higher rate of completion during the task-based condition, and one student had higher rate of completion during the time-based condition.