Topic 11

Question 1

Define behavioural chain

Answer 1

• complex behaviour comprises of several component behaviours that occur together in a certain order
• stimulus-response chain: each behaviour produces a stimulus that acts as a SD for the next behaviour
• final response is typically followed by reinforcement
• not all sequences of behaviour are behaviour chains

Question 2

define task analysis and the 3 ways it could be conducted

Answer 2

• identifying all antecedent stimuli and responses in the sequence that comprises a behaviour chain
  1. observe someone else who is competent at the task while behaviour analyst records all SDs and responses
  2. recruit an expert, who describes all SDs and responses, recorded by behaviour analysts
  3. behaviour analyst performs task themselves, recording all SDs and responses

Question 3

teaching behavioural chains

explain total task presentation

Answer 3

• individual attempts all links in the chain from beginning to end
• prompting is provided for each link as required
• natural reinforcement is given only after last link
• often requires graduated guidance

Question 4

teaching behavioural chains

explain backward chaining

Answer 4

• prompting and fading are used to teach a complex behaviour starting with the final link
• link is repeated until all prompts are faded
• condition reinforcer is given after second-last link is completed

Question 5

teaching behavioural chains

explain foward chaining

Answer 5

• prompting and fading are used to teach a complex behaviour starting with the first like
• natural reinforcer is delivered only when most recently mastered link is completed
• next unmastered link in the chain is added
• conditioned reinforcer is delivered between links of the chain

Question 6

teaching behavioural chains

define self prompting methods and it’s 4 types

Answer 6

• person prompts self in order to learn the chain
  1. written task analysis (textual prompts): learner uses a list of instructions that comprise the behaviour chain
  2. self-instructions: learner recites a series of verbal prompts overtly or covertly to guide their behaviour through the chain
  3. picture: learner uses photos or pictures of the product of each behaviour in the chain
  4. video modeling: learner watches a video of a model performing the task

Question 7

What are the 4 factors affecting performance of a behaviour chain

Answer 7

• completeness of the task analysis
• length or complexity of the chain
• stimulus variation
• response variation

Question 8

How to use chaining procedure

6 steps

Answer 8

1. determine whether chaining is appropriate
2. perform task analysis
3. measure performance baseline
4. select chaining procedure
5. apply behaviour treatment program
6. ensure behaviour is maintained