Chapter 11 Flashcards
Behavioral Chain
a complex behavior consisting of many component behaviors that occur together in a sequence
Stimulus response chain
behavior chain
In the behavioral chain each behavior or response is its own what for what
each behavior or response is its own SD for the next response
Example of behavioral chain
- SD1 (pack of gum in your pocket) -> R1 (reach into your pocket)
- SD2 (your hand in your pocket)
-> R2 (pull out the pack of gum) - SD3 (pack of gum in your hand) -> R3 (pull out one stick of gum)
- SD4 (one stick of gum in your hand) -> R4 (unwrap stick of gum)
- SD5 (unwrapped stick of gum in your hand) ->R5 (put the gum in your mouth) -> reinforcer (chewing the gum)
task analysis
The process of analyzing a behavioral chain by breaking it down into its individual stimulus–response components
steps for a successful task analysis
- Identify all behaviors necessary to perform a task
- identify SD associated with each new behavior in the task.
How to develop a good task analysis
ask an expert to describe the task
do the task yourself
observe the task being done
Backward chaining
Teach last S-R component first. Then teach next to last component, and so on
Forward chaining
Teach first S-R component first.
Then teach second component, and so on.
training steps for each S-R component
- Present the SD
- Verbal and physical prompt
- Praise (and possibly other reinforcers) for correct response
- Fade prompts
- When response occurs without prompts,
move to the next S-R component - Continue steps 1-5 until done
total task
the complex chain of behaviors is only reinforced when the full task is complete
with total task _____ guidance is implemented
gradual; hand over hand guidance to lead the learner through the task
Total task is appropriate for
less complex behaviors; learners and teachers ability must be considered
Backward chaining example
(SD1) brochures, envelopes on table —> (R1) pick up brochure
(SD2) brochure in hand, envelopes on table —> (R2) pick up envelope
(SD3) brochure and envelope in hand —> (R3) put brochure in envelope
(SD4) stuffed envelope in hand —> (R4) put stuffed envelope in the box —-> (SR) praise
To start backward chaining procedures:
Present SD4, prompt R4, and reinforce
forward chaining example
(SD1) brochures, envelopes on table —> (R1) pick up brochure
(SD2) brochure in hand, envelopes on table —> (R2) pick up envelope
(SD3) brochure and envelope in hand —> (R3) put brochure in envelope
(SD4) stuffed envelope in hand —> (R4) put stuffed envelope in the box —-> (SR) praise
To start forward chaining procedures:
Present SD1, prompt R1, and reinforce
Total task example
(SD1) brochures, envelopes on table —> (R1) pick up brochure
(SD2) brochure in hand, envelopes on table —> (R2) pick up envelope
(SD3) brochure and envelope in hand —> (R3) put brochure in envelope
(SD4) stuffed envelope in hand —> (R4) put stuffed envelope in the box —-> (SR) praise
With total task presentation:
Prompt the learner through all the steps in the chain
Other strats
Textual prompts (written task analysis)
picture prompts
self-instructions
Steps for using behavioral chaining
- Is chaining the right procedure?
Learning a new behavior vs. noncompliance?
Can’t do vs. won’t do problem? - Develop a task analysis of the S-R chain
- Collect baseline data
- Choose the chaining procedure and implement
- Continue to collect data
- Shift to intermittent reinforcement for maintenance
