Chapter 20 Chaining

Question 1

a specific sequence of discrete responses, each associated with a particular stimulus condition.

Answer 1

Behavior chain

Question 2

A behavior chain has the following three important characteristics:

Answer 2

(a) A behavior chain involves the performance of a specific series of discrete responses.
(b) the performance of each behavior in the sequence changes the environment in such a way that it produces conditioned reinforcement for the preceding response and serves as an SD for the next response.
(c) the responses within the chain must be performed in a specific sequence, usually in close temporal succession.

Question 3

A sequence of behaviors that must be performed correctly and within a specified time to produce reinforcement.

Answer 3

Behavior chain with a limited hold

Question 4

Various methods for linking specific sequences of stimuli and responses to form new performances.

Answer 4

Chaining

Question 5

Behaviors are linked together beginning with the first behavior in the sequence.

Answer 5

Forward chaining

Question 6

the behaviors are linked together beginning with the last behavior in the sequence.

Answer 6

Backward chaining

Question 7

Breaking a complex skill into smaller, teachable units, the product of which is a series of sequentially ordered steps or tasks.

Answer 7

Task analysis

Question 8

Three methods can be used to identify and validate the components of task analysis.

Answer 8

1) The behavioral components of the sequence are developed after observing competent individuals perform the desired sequence of behaviors.
2) Consult with experts or persons skilled in performing the task.
3) To perform the behaviors oneself

Question 9

Two principal ways to assess a person’s mastery level of task analysis.

Answer 9

1. Single-opportunity method and

2. Multiple-opportunity method

Question 10

Designed to assess a learner’s ability to perform each behavior in the task analysis in the correct sequence.

Answer 10

Single-opportunity method

Question 11

Assessment evaluates the person’s level of mastery across all the behaviors in the task analysis.

If a step is performed incorrectly, out of sequence, or the time limit for completing the step is exceeded, the behavior analyst completes that step for the learner and then positions her for the next step.

Each step performed correctly is scored as a correct response, even if the learner erred (made a mistake) on the previous steps.

Answer 11

Multiple-opportunity method

Question 12

Two main advantages of forwarding chaining:

Answer 12

(a) It can be used to link smaller chains into larger ones

(b) it is relatively easy, so teachers are likely to use it in the classroom.

Question 13

Total-task chaining A.KA.

Answer 13

Total-task presentation
or
Whole-task presentation

Question 14

Variation of forward chaining in which the learner receives training on each step in the task analysis during every session.

Answer 14

Total-task chaining

Question 15

Follows essentially the same procedures as backward chaining, except that not every step in the task analysis is trained

Answer 15

Backward chaining with leap aheads

Question 16

An intervention that relies on the participant’s skill in performing the critical elements of a chain independently, but the chain is interrupted at a predetermined step so that another behavior can be emitted.

Answer 16

behavior chain interruption strategy (BCIS)

Question 17

An inappropriate behavior chain can be broken by determining the initial SD and substituting an SD for alternative behavior, or by extending the chain and building in time delays. (e.g., nail-biting, smoking, excessive food consumption)

Answer 17

Breaking an Inappropriate Chain