PSY2606 ABA Lecture 11 Chaining

Introduction to Chaining

• Certain situations require complex behaviors involving multiple responses.

• A behavioral chain is defined as a complex behavior made up of multiple sequential component behaviors.

Task Analysis

• Task analysis involves identifying all stimuli (SDs) and responses (Rs) that constitute a behavioral chain.

• Example of task analysis in action:

  • Eating a bowl of oatmeal:

    • (SD1) Bowl of oatmeal, spoon in hand

      • (R1) Put spoon in food

    • (SD2) Spoon in food

      • (R2) Scoop food onto spoon

    • (SD3) Food on spoon

      • (R3) Put food in mouth

    • (SR) Eat (natural reinforcer)

Stimulus-Response Chain Representation

• The chaining process can be depicted as follows:

  • SD1 --> R1

  • SD2 --> R2

  • SD3 --> R3

  • SD4 --> R4 --> SR

Practical Application of Task Analysis

• Exercise: Teaching a middle-aged man, institutionalized since age 14, how to make a cup of tea requires a detailed task analysis while ensuring his safety.

Types of Chaining Procedures

1. Backward Chaining

   • Involves teaching the last stimulus-response component first.

2. Forward Chaining

   • Involves teaching the first stimulus-response component first.

Training Sequence for Each Component

1. Present the SD

2. Use verbal and physical prompts

3. Provide praise and other reinforcers for correct responses

4. Fade prompts gradually

5. When the response occurs without prompts, progress to the next component

6. Repeat steps 1-5 until all components have been taught.

Total Task Presentation Method

• Execute the entire S-R chain in each training trial.

• Utilize graduated guidance and gradually fade to shadowing, then fade shadowing completely.

Similarities Between Forward and Backward Chaining

• Both methods are aimed at teaching a sequence of behaviors.

• Require a task analysis to break the behavior chain into components.

• Teach one behavior at a time and chain them together.

• Both use prompting and fading techniques.

Differences Between Forward and Backward Chaining

• Forward Chaining: Teaches from the first component.

• Backward Chaining: Teaches from the last component, enabling the learner to complete the chain in every trial.

• In backward chaining, learners receive the natural reinforcer each time; in forward chaining, they may not complete the chain in every trial.

Example of Forward and Backward Chaining

• Example Activity: Stuffing envelopes

  • (SD1) Brochures, envelopes on table → (R1) Pick up brochure

  • (SD2) Brochure in hand, envelopes on table → (R2) Pick up envelope

  • (SD3) Brochure and envelope in hand → (R3) Put brochure in envelope

  • (SD4) Stuffed envelope in hand → (R4) Put stuffed envelope in the box

  • (SR) Praise

  • Backward Chaining Start: Present SD4, prompt R4, reinforce.

  • Forward Chaining Start: Present SD1, prompt R1, reinforce.

  • Total Task Presentation: Prompt through all steps.

Implementing Behavioral Chaining

1. Evaluate if chaining is necessary based on the behavior context.

   • Distinguish between learning capabilities (new behavior vs. noncompliance).

2. Create a comprehensive task analysis of the S-R chain.

3. Collect baseline data before implementation.

4. Select and apply the chosen chaining procedure.

5. Continue gathering data throughout the process.

6. Shift to intermittent reinforcement for behavior maintenance after initial learning phase.