In a preference assessment, what should practitioners focus on when presenting items to maximize interest?

In a preference assessment, combining both familiar and new items is essential to maximize interest and engagement. Familiar items are likely to elicit a sense of comfort and known value, allowing the individual to feel more at ease during the assessment process. On the other hand, new items can introduce novelty and excitement, which may stimulate interest and exploration.

By providing a mix of both types of items, practitioners can observe a broader range of preferences that reflect the individual's likes and dislikes more accurately. This approach provides balance; familiar items may strike a chord with the individual’s established preferences, while new items can reveal evolving interests that may not have been previously identified. This strategy helps ensure that the assessment is comprehensive, leading to more effective and personalized interventions based on the individual's unique preferences.