What type of preference assessment is characterized by stimuli being presented in pairs?

The paired-stimulus preference assessment is a method where two stimuli are presented to the individual at the same time, allowing them to choose one over the other. This approach is effective in identifying preferences among a set of items because it forces the individual to make a choice between the two options presented. By systematically pairing different items and recording which item is chosen more frequently, practitioners can gather information on an individual's preferences, which can be useful for motivating behaviors or selecting reinforcers in a behavioral intervention.

In contrast, the single-item approach assesses preference by presenting items one at a time, which does not allow for direct comparison. The multiple-stimulus without replacement method involves presenting a set of items at once and removing chosen items from subsequent presentations, while a free-operant preference assessment allows individuals to interact with available items without structured choice opportunities. The paired-stimulus method's direct comparison aspect makes it particularly effective for determining preference hierarchies among various stimuli.