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)
Page 14**
Compares shaping, fading, chaining
What are shaping “steps”
Successive approximations of one single beh
What is three-step prompting
Procedure of using verbal, modeling, and physical guidance response prompts
What are fading “steps”
Extent to which prompts are gradually eliminated over time
How are “steps” in a beh chain different than behaviours in a sequence
They are the “links”
Six steps to using chaining
- determine whether chaining is appropriate
- perform task analysis to determine beh chain
- measure performance baseline
- select chaining procedure
- apply beh treatment program, gradually reducing amount/freq of additonal reinforcements
- ensure beh is maintained (intermittent reinforcement)
Things to consider when selecting chaining procedure
Links are simple enough for person to learn quickly
Consider the use of self-prompting techniques
Disabilities may require picture prompts or video modeling
What is thining
Gradually reducing the amount and/or frequency of additional reinforcements
Two methods of baseline assessment for chaining
- Single-opportunity method: give learner opportunity to complete the task, record which components they complete without assistance
- Multiple-opportunity method: assess learner’s ability to complete each individual component in the chain
