CH18 - Imitation

Question 1

Imitation

Answer 1

a) a behavior controlled by any physical movement that serves as a novel model excluding vocal-verbal behavior,
b) Formal similarity with the model and immediately follows the occurrence of the model.
c) Must be novel

Question 2

Planned models

Answer 2

• Pre-arranged antecedent stimuli that help learners acquire new skills
• Shows the learner exactly what to do

Question 3

Unplanned models

Answer 3

all antecedent stimuli with the capacity to evoke imitation.

ex) taking a bus for the first time learn how to pay fare by imitating others

Question 4

Formal similarity

Answer 4

when the model and the behavior physically resemble each other and are in the same sense mode

Question 5

Imitation Immediacy

Answer 5

• important feature.
• must be 3-5 seconds.
• delayed behavior (absence of the model) is not an imitation behavior. (i.e., the model is not controlling the behavior)

Question 6

Most important property that defines imitation

Answer 6

controlling relation

Question 7

Controlling relation

Answer 7

a controlling relation between a model and the behavior of the imitator is inferred when a novel model evokes a similar behavior in the absence of history of reinforcement for that behavior.

Question 8

Attending

Answer 8

1. staying seated,
2. looking at the teacher,
3. keeping hands in lap,
4. looking at objects

Additionally, any problem behaviors that may interfere with training.

Question 9

How to select models for imitation

Answer 9

a) use about 25 behaviors as models,
b) gross motor and fine motor
c) use only one at a time - do not sequence.

Question 10

Steps to pretesting

Answer 10

1. Get learner in “ready” position.
2. if using an object, place one in front of learner and one in front of yourself.
3. say learner’s name and “do this”
4. present model.
5. immediately praise each response that has formal similarity, deliver reinforcer.
6. record the learner’s response as correct or incorrect.
7. continue pretesting with remaining models

Question 11

Four conditions for imitation training

Answer 11

1. Preassessment.
2. Training.
3. Post-assessment.
4. Probing for imitative behaviors.

Question 12

Preassessment

Answer 12

• Brief pretest prior to each training session
• Use first 3 models currently selected for training
• Present them 3 times in random order
• If learner performs them correctly 3 times, remove from training sequence.

Purpose: evaluate learner’s current performance level and determine progress in learning.

Question 13

Training

Answer 13

• Use repeated presentations of 1 of the 3 models in preassessment
• Use model most often responded to or responded to with closest similarity during pre-assessment
• Continue until learner responds correctly 5 consecutive times
• Use physical guidance if necessary to prompt the response
• Gradually fade prompts as quickly as possible.

Question 14

Post-assessment

Answer 14

• Present 5 previously learned models and 5 models still in training.
• On 3 consecutive post-assessments.
- If child has imitated a model incorrectly on 14 of 15 trials, remove it from training
• Physical guidance may be used.

Purpose: to evaluate how well learner can perform previously- and recently-learned behaviors

Question 15

Probes for imitative behaviors

Answer 15

• Select 5 non-trained, novel models to check for occurrence of imitation
• Do at end of each training session or intermix in training sessions
• Use pre-assessment procedures (No antecedent or response prompts)

Question 16

Guidelines for Imitation Training

Answer 16

• Keep training sessions active and short (10-15 minutes, a couple times a day)
• Reinforce both prompted and imitative responses
• Pair verbal praise and attention with tangible reinforcers
• If progress breaks down, back up and move ahead slowly
• Keep a record
• Fade out verbal response prompts and physical guidance