Choice, preference, self determination and work performance in mentally retarded adults

• Grant number: 07/04958-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2008
• End date: March 31, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Celso de Noronha Goyos
• Grantee: Antonio Celso de Noronha Goyos
• Host Institution: Centro de Educação e Ciências Humanas (CECH). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study aims is an attempt to investigate choice of the mentally retarded under work conditions. More specifically the study assesses the effects of choice and no choice conditions on performance under those conditions and the participants preferences. First, the participants will be taught a work task. Next, Phase 1, baseline, participants will be able to choose between working under one specific work condition in a multiple schedule condition or under another specific work condition in a chained concurrent schedule. On Phase 2, participants will be exposed to either a multiple schedule or a chained concurrent schedule. Finally, participants will be brought to Phase 1 conditions. The effects of Phase 2 on preference will be analyzed as well as performance details. (AU)