Chaining Flashcards
What is a behavioural chain?
AKA?
Complex behaviour comprised of several component behaviours that occur together in a certain order
AKA stimulus-response chain
Why are behavioural chain aka stimulus-response chains
Each beh produces a stimulus that acts as an S^D for the next beh
Final response in a chain is followed by…
reinforcement
Definition of task analysis
Identifying all antecedent stimuli and responses in the sequence that comprises a behavioural chain
Three ways task analysis can be conducted
- observe someone else who is competent at the task, while beh analyst records all S^D and responses
- recruit an expert to describe all S^D and responses, recorded by beh analyst
- Behaviour analyst performs the task themselves, recording all S^D and responses
Data sheet of chaining after task analysis
List all the steps in the chain
Count how many links the individual completes, blacken that number
Creates a “graph”
Four methods of teaching behavioural chains (chaining procedures)
Total task presentation
Backward chaining
Forward chaining
Self-prompting methods
What is total task presentation
Individual attempts all links in the chain from beginning to end
Prompting provided at each link if required
Natural reinforcement given only after last link
Fade the prompts
Pros and cons of total task presentation
Suitable for tasks that are not long/complex
Not appropriate for developmental disabilities, need teacher to be competent
What is backward chaining
Prompting and fading are used to teach a complex beh starting with the final link
Natural reinforcer given after the last link is complete
Once mastered prompt is faded, second-last link is added
Conditioned reinforcer (e.g. praise) given when second-last link is complete
etc
Pros and cons of backward chaining
Typically used with learners who have limited abilities
Requires additional preparation by beh analyst
What is forward chaining
Prompting and fading are used to teach a complex behaviour starting with the first link
Natural reinforcer delivered when last mastered link is complete
Next unmastered link is added
Conditioned reinforcer delivered between links
What are self-prompting methods
Person prompts self in order to learn the chain; does not require much supervision from a teacher
Four types of self-prompting methods
- Written task analysis (textual prompts): list of instructions comprising beh chain (recipe)
- Self-instructions: learner recites series of verbal prompts overtly or covertly
- Picture prompts: photos or pictures of product & of each beh in the chain
- Video modeling: watches a video of a model performing a link in beh chain, or watches video of the whole chain
Factors that affect the performance of a beh chain
Completeness of task analysis
Length or complexity of the chain (longer= more time)
Stimulus variation (all variations of S^D encountered should be included)
Response variation (variation in S^D may require changing response to produce same effect)
