What does MSWO stand for in preference assessment terms?

The term MSWO stands for "Multiple-stimulus without replacement." This type of preference assessment involves presenting multiple items or potential reinforcers to an individual at once. The individual then selects their preferred item, which is removed from the array for subsequent trials. This process continues until all items have been selected or the individual expresses no further preference.

Using MSWO can be particularly beneficial in understanding the hierarchy of preferences among different stimuli. By observing which items are chosen first, a practitioner can gather valuable information about what motivates an individual, which can inform interventions or treatment plans. This approach contrasts with assessments where items may be returned to the selection pool, allowing for repeated choices of the same items. In situations that aim to refine the understanding of an individual's preferences without introducing potential biases of repeated selections, MSWO proves to be an effective strategy.