What does the Multiple Stimulus with Replacement (MSW) assessment involve?

The Multiple Stimulus with Replacement (MSW) assessment is a method used to identify preferred stimuli by presenting a variety of items to an individual. In this type of assessment, when a participant selects an item from an array, that selected item remains available for future choices, while the other items in the array are replaced. This process allows the individual to demonstrate their preferences over multiple trials, providing insight into which items are most appealing to them.

By leaving the chosen item in the array and replacing the others, the assessment can effectively gauge the participant's ongoing interest in that item compared to new ones presented. This approach contrasts with other methodologies, such as removing the chosen item or presenting items without replacements, which can limit the opportunities for the individual to revisit their selections and may not accurately reflect their preferences.