What method is used to evaluate a learner's reaction to items in a preferred selection?

The method used to evaluate a learner's reaction to items in a preferred selection is preference assessment. This technique involves systematically determining which items or activities an individual finds most appealing or valuable. By assessing preferences, practitioners can gain insights into what motivates a learner, which can then inform intervention strategies and enhance engagement in educational or therapeutic settings.

Preference assessments can take various forms, including interviews, surveys, or direct observation of choices made by the learner when presented with various options. The purpose of this method is to create a profile of preferences that can be used to guide decisions regarding reinforcement and instructional strategies, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes and motivation.

The other methods mentioned serve different purposes. Functional analysis is primarily focused on identifying the antecedents and consequences that maintain a behavior, behavior observation involves monitoring and documenting behaviors without manipulating any variables, and performance review centers on evaluating an individual's performance relative to specific criteria or goals. Each of these methods plays a unique role within the broader context of behavioral assessment and intervention but does not specifically target the evaluation of a learner's reaction to preferred items like preference assessments do.