Shaping and Chaining

Question 1

Define shaping

Answer 1

reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior

Question 2

What are the key points of shaping?

Answer 2

1. Target behavior doesn’t exist yet
2. Behavior is gradually shaped by reinforcing closer and closer approximations to the desired behavior

Question 3

when is shaping used?

Answer 3

1. When the behavior doesn’t yet exist in the learners’ repertoire
2. To teach behaviors that are complex or have multiple steps

Question 4

What are the steps of shaping?

Answer 4

1. Define target behavior
2. Reinforce successive approximations
3. Monitor results

Question 5

Define chaining:

Answer 5

used to teach behaviors that consist of multiple steps or components; each step in the chain serves as a cue for the next step

Question 6

what are the key points of chaining?

Answer 6

1. commonly used for complex tasks
2. the final behavior in the chain is reinforced

Question 7

Chaining:

Answer 7

1. Behavior is taught as a sequence of steps
2. Reinforcement is provided only after the entire chain is completed or after each step in certain types of chaining
3. The final step of the chain often serves as reinforcement

Question 8

Shaping:

Answer 8

1. Reinforces behavior as it moves forward, with each step reinforcing closer approximations
2. reinforcement occurs throughout the shaping process
3. behaviors like speaking or sitting can be shaped

Question 9

define prompting:

Answer 9

a cue used to encourage a learner to preform a behavior they might not otherwise do

Question 10

what is the purpose of prompting?

Answer 10

prompts guide learners toward a targeted behavior in ABA programs

Question 11

what are the types of prompts?

Answer 11

1. independent
2. gestural
3. indirect verbal
4. positional
5. indirect verbal
6. direct verbal
7. direct visual
8. modeling
9. patrial physical
10. full physical

Question 12

define prompt fading:

Answer 12

gradually reducing the intensity of prompts as the learner becomes more independent

Question 13

what is the goal of prompt fading?

Answer 13

learners should respond independently to discriminate stimuli without needing prompts

Question 14

what is prompt dependence?

Answer 14

learners may become reliant on prompts, which should be avoided

Question 15

what are the strategies for prompt fading?

Answer 15

1. decreasing assistance
2. increasing assistance
3. time delay
4. graduated guidance
5. stimulus fading

Question 16

what is task analysis?

Answer 16

breaking a task into small clear steps

Question 17

define forward chaining

Answer 17

start with the first step and reinforce after each step is mastered

Question 18

define backward chaining

Answer 18

start with the last step and teach backward, reinforcing completion

Question 19

what are the advantage’s of forward chaining

Answer 19

1. Helps initiate behavior by starting with the first step in the task chain, often the easiest
2. builds momentum: By completing the first step, the learner is motivated to continue through the remaining steps
3. provides a clear starting point for learned who might be overwhelmed by the complexity of the whole task
4. encourages mastery of sequential steps, reinforcing the learners confidence as they master each step in order

Question 20

what are the advantages of backwards chaining?

Answer 20

1. Reinforces the final step first, linking the learner’s work to a natural reinforcer
2. Effective for learners who already perform some initial steps in the task chain, speeding up the teaching process
3. provide quick access to reinforcement, as the learner experiences the reward sooner
4. Great for tasks requiring sequence completion, as it helps build motivation by reinforcing the final, mot effortful step
5. ideal for complex task where the learner might struggle with the last steps but can handle earlier steps

Question 21

what is maintenece?

Answer 21

1. The ability of a learner to continue performing a target behavior after intervention ends
2. The learner engages in the behavior independently when natural cues appear in their environment

Question 22

what are strategies for maintence

Answer 22

1. Prompt fading
2. Reinforcer fading
3. Natural reinforcers
4. Risk of rapid fading

Question 23

what is generalization

Answer 23

The ability to demonstrate a learned behavior in different situations beyond the training environment

Question 24

what are the types of generalization

Answer 24

1. across people
2. across settings
3. across circumstances

Question 25

what are strategies to promote generalization

Answer 25

1. Teach across examples 2. Teach across people 3. Teach with multiple instructors

Question 26

what are functional skills?

Answer 26

behaviors essential for everyday life

Question 27

why do functional skills promote generalization

Answer 27

skills that naturally occur in a learner's environment are more likely to generalize across different situations