Topic 9 Chaining Behaviours

What are behaviour chains?

Complex combinations of simpler behaviours in a particular order.

What is a behaviour chain?

A complex behaviour consisting of two or more component behaviours that occur together in a sequence.

What does each component of a behaviour chain have?

Each component has a Discriminative Stimulus (SD) and a corresponding response.

What does each response in a behaviour chain create?

Each response creates a new situation that functions as an SD for the next response.

What is an example of a behaviour chain for getting gum?

1. SD1: Pack of gum in pocket → R1: Reach into pocket.

What is the first step in the behaviour chain for getting gum?

SD1: Pack of gum in your pocket → R1: Reach into your pocket.

What is task analysis?

Breaking down a task into its component elements, including SDs, responses, and reinforcers.

What must a subject be capable of before chaining?

The subject must be capable of each component of the task.

What is forward chaining?

Reinforcing the performance of each component sequentially from the first to the last.

What is backward chaining?

Reinforcing the performance of components from the last to the first.

What is total task presentation?

Using prompting to get the learner to perform the whole chain from start to finish.

What are the four types of prompts?

Written prompts, picture prompts, video modelling, self-instructions.

What may happen if a learned chain is too long?

Responding may decrease over time due to weak conditional or terminal reinforcers.