Chaining

Question 1

What is a behavioural chain?
AKA?

Answer 1

Complex behaviour comprised of several component behaviours that occur together in a certain order
AKA stimulus-response chain

Question 2

Why are behavioural chain aka stimulus-response chains

Answer 2

Each beh produces a stimulus that acts as an S^D for the next beh

Question 3

Final response in a chain is followed by…

Answer 3

reinforcement

Question 4

Definition of task analysis

Answer 4

Identifying all antecedent stimuli and responses in the sequence that comprises a behavioural chain

Question 5

Three ways task analysis can be conducted

Answer 5

1. observe someone else who is competent at the task, while beh analyst records all S^D and responses
2. recruit an expert to describe all S^D and responses, recorded by beh analyst
3. Behaviour analyst performs the task themselves, recording all S^D and responses

Question 6

Data sheet of chaining after task analysis

Answer 6

List all the steps in the chain
Count how many links the individual completes, blacken that number
Creates a “graph”

Question 7

Four methods of teaching behavioural chains (chaining procedures)

Answer 7

Total task presentation
Backward chaining
Forward chaining
Self-prompting methods

Question 8

What is total task presentation

Answer 8

Individual attempts all links in the chain from beginning to end
Prompting provided at each link if required
Natural reinforcement given only after last link
Fade the prompts

Question 9

Pros and cons of total task presentation

Answer 9

Suitable for tasks that are not long/complex
Not appropriate for developmental disabilities, need teacher to be competent

Question 10

What is backward chaining

Answer 10

Prompting and fading are used to teach a complex beh starting with the final link
Natural reinforcer given after the last link is complete
Once mastered prompt is faded, second-last link is added
Conditioned reinforcer (e.g. praise) given when second-last link is complete
etc

Question 11

Pros and cons of backward chaining

Answer 11

Typically used with learners who have limited abilities
Requires additional preparation by beh analyst

Question 12

What is forward chaining

Answer 12

Prompting and fading are used to teach a complex behaviour starting with the first link
Natural reinforcer delivered when last mastered link is complete
Next unmastered link is added
Conditioned reinforcer delivered between links

Question 13

What are self-prompting methods

Answer 13

Person prompts self in order to learn the chain; does not require much supervision from a teacher

Question 14

Four types of self-prompting methods

Answer 14

1. Written task analysis (textual prompts): list of instructions comprising beh chain (recipe)
2. Self-instructions: learner recites series of verbal prompts overtly or covertly
3. Picture prompts: photos or pictures of product & of each beh in the chain
4. Video modeling: watches a video of a model performing a link in beh chain, or watches video of the whole chain

Question 15

Factors that affect the performance of a beh chain

Answer 15

Completeness of task analysis
Length or complexity of the chain (longer= more time)
Stimulus variation (all variations of S^D encountered should be included)
Response variation (variation in S^D may require changing response to produce same effect)

Question 16

Page 14**

Answer 16

Compares shaping, fading, chaining

Question 17

What are shaping “steps”

Answer 17

Successive approximations of one single beh

Question 18

What is three-step prompting

Answer 18

Procedure of using verbal, modeling, and physical guidance response prompts

Question 19

What are fading “steps”

Answer 19

Extent to which prompts are gradually eliminated over time

Question 20

How are “steps” in a beh chain different than behaviours in a sequence

Answer 20

They are the “links”

Question 21

Six steps to using chaining

Answer 21

1. determine whether chaining is appropriate
2. perform task analysis to determine beh chain
3. measure performance baseline
4. select chaining procedure
5. apply beh treatment program, gradually reducing amount/freq of additonal reinforcements
6. ensure beh is maintained (intermittent reinforcement)

Question 22

Things to consider when selecting chaining procedure

Answer 22

Links are simple enough for person to learn quickly
Consider the use of self-prompting techniques
Disabilities may require picture prompts or video modeling

Question 23

What is thining

Answer 23

Gradually reducing the amount and/or frequency of additional reinforcements

Question 24

Two methods of baseline assessment for chaining

Answer 24

1. Single-opportunity method: give learner opportunity to complete the task, record which components they complete without assistance
2. Multiple-opportunity method: assess learner’s ability to complete each individual component in the chain