Chapter 11 Flashcards
Distinguish between a behavior sequence that is a chain and one that is not a chain.
Many behavior sequences that you perform in everyday life are behavior chains. Playing a particular song on a musical instrument, brushing your teeth, lacing and tying your shoes, and making a sandwich are all behavior chains. However, not all behavior sequence are behavior chains. Studying for an exam, writing an exam, and attending the next class to get a grade represent a sequence of behavior that a college student performs. But this general sequence consist of a variety of activities (reading, memorizing, writing, etc.) with many breaks in the action (studying, then sleeping, then going to class, etc.) It is not made up of consistent series of stimuli and responses that occur closely in time and for which each stimulus (except the last) is and S^D for the next response.
Briefly describe the total-task presentation chaining method.
In the total-task presentation chaining method an individual attempts all of the steps from the beginning to the end of the chain on each trail and continues with total task trials until that person learns the chain.
Briefly describe the backward-chaining method.
In the backward-chaining method the last step is taught first, then the next-to-last step is taught and linked to the last step, then the third-from-last step is taught and linked to the last two steps, and so on, progressing backward toward the beginning of the chain.
Briefly describe the forward-chaining method.
In the forward-chaining method it teaches the initial step of the sequence first, then teaches and links together the first and second steps, then the first three steps, and so on until the entire chain is acquired.
Describe how each of the three major chaining methods could be used to teach bed making.
For total-task presentation chaining the person would go through all the steps from tucking in the corners to laying the last sheet on until it was preformed correctly. For backward-chaining the bed would be laid out so the last step is able to be performed in putting the last sheet on once done correctly then the second last step would be left out to then be performed with the last step in unison. For forward-chaining method the person would start with tucking in the corners once done right would move to laying the sheet on top after performing the tucking in of the corners until the bed is made
Distinguish among the types of target behavior typically established by shaping, fading, and chaining.
Target behavior shaping is the new behavior along with some physical dimension such as topography, amount, or intensity.
Target behavior fading is the new stimulus control of a particular behavior.
Target behavior chaining is the new consistent sequences of stimuli and responses.
What is meant by the term task analysis? Describe a plausible task analysis appropriate for teaching a 3-year-old child the chain of tying a knot in a shoelace.
Task analysis is the process of breaking down a task into smaller steps or component responses to facilitate training. To teach a 3-year-old child to tie a shoelace would be to first grab each string in each hand. Then fold the right shoelace over the left. Put the left shoelace through the middle. Make bunny ears with what’s left of the two laces in each hand and repeat the crossing of the right and the left string going through to create a knot.
Briefly describe three strategies to help individuals use prompts independently to guide the mastery of a chain of behaviors.
- For learners able to read, a written task analysis might effectively prompt them to appropriately complete behavior chains.
- If the learners are unable to read, a series of picture prompts might guide them.
- Another strategy that involves independent use of prompts to guide completion of behavior chains involves reciting self-instruction.
