Chapter 23 Flashcards
Backward Chaining
A teaching procedure in which a trainer completes all but the last behavior in a chain, which is performed by the learner, who then receives reinforcement for completing the chain. When the learner shows competence in performing the final step in the chain, the trainer performs all but the last two behaviors in the chain, the learner emits the final two steps to complete the chain, and reinforcement is delivered. This sequence is continued until the learner completes the entire chain independently.
Backward Chaining with Leaps Ahead
A backward chaining procedure in which some steps in the task analysis are skipped; used to increase the efficiency of teaching long behavior chains when there is evidence that the skipped steps are in the learner’s repertoire.
Behavior Chain
A sequence of responses in which each response produces a stimulus change that functions as conditioned reinforcement for that response and as a discriminative stimulus for the next response in the chain; reinforcement for the last response in a chain maintains the reinforcing effectiveness of the stimulus changes produced by all previous responses in the chain
Behavior Chain Interruption Strategy
An intervention that relies on the participant’s skill in performing the critical elements of a chain independently; the chain is interrupted occasionally so that another behavior can be emitted.
Behavior Chain with a Limited Hold
A contingency that specifies a time interval by which a behavior chain must be completed for reinforcement to be delivered.
Chaining
Various procedures for teaching behavior chains. (See backward chaining, backward chaining with leaps ahead, behavior chain, forward chaining.)
Forward Chaining
A method for teaching behavior chains that begins with the learner being prompted and taught to perform the first behavior in the task analysis the trainer completes the remaining steps in the chain. When the learner shows competence in performing the first step in the chain, he is then taught to perform the first two behaviors in the chain, with the training completing the chain. This process is continued until the learner completes the entire chain independently.
Interrupted Chain Procedure
A procedural variation of the behavior chain interruption strategy, entails arranging the environment such that the learner is unable to continue the chain at a predetermined point until responding to a prompt.
Task Analysis
The process of breaking a complex skill or series of behaviors into smaller, teachable units; also refers to the results of this process.
Total-Task Chaining
A variation of forward chaining in which the learner receives training on each behavior in the chain during each session.
Unchaining
Occurs when, in the case of a two-step chain, the second behavior in the chain produces reinforcement in the present of the prior SD, but also procedures reinforcement when that SD is not present.
