ABAT Skill Acquisition Programming 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In backward chaining, the learner first learns:
- The first step of the task analysis
- Every step simultaneously
- The last step of the task analysis (Correct answer)
- Whichever step has the highest baseline performance
Correct answer: The last step of the task analysis
Backward chaining teaches the final step first so the learner always ends the chain by earning the terminal reinforcer, then earlier steps are added in reverse order.
Question 2: A task analysis is best described as:
- An assessment of problem behavior function
- A breakdown of a complex skill into a sequence of smaller component steps (Correct answer)
- A measure of a learner's IQ and adaptive behavior
- A schedule of reinforcement for a target behavior
Correct answer: A breakdown of a complex skill into a sequence of smaller component steps
Task analysis involves breaking a multi-step skill into discrete, teachable steps that can be taught individually or as a chain.
Question 3: In forward chaining, once the learner masters the first step, the trainer:
- Terminates training and begins generalization
- Adds the second step while still completing remaining steps for the learner (Correct answer)
- Requires the learner to complete all steps independently
- Switches to a backward chaining procedure
Correct answer: Adds the second step while still completing remaining steps for the learner
Forward chaining introduces steps sequentially from the first; the trainer continues to complete subsequent steps until each is added to the learner's training.
Question 4: The primary advantage of total task presentation over forward or backward chaining is:
- It requires fewer training sessions overall
- It eliminates the need for reinforcement
- The learner practices every step of the chain during every session (Correct answer)
- It is most appropriate for learners with no prior skills
Correct answer: The learner practices every step of the chain during every session
Total task presentation provides practice on all steps in every session, which can increase fluency and shorten overall acquisition time for learners with sufficient prerequisite skills.
Question 5: When developing a task analysis, which method provides the most accurate and complete step sequence?
- Asking the learner to describe the steps verbally
- Consulting a published list of task analyses
- Observing a competent performer complete the task (Correct answer)
- Using a fixed 10-step format for every skill
Correct answer: Observing a competent performer complete the task
Observing a skilled individual perform the task ensures the steps reflect real-world performance and captures nuances that may be missed by other methods.
Question 6: In a behavioral chain, each intermediate step functions as:
- A punisher for the preceding response
- A conditioned reinforcer for the preceding response and an SD for the next response (Correct answer)
- An unconditioned reinforcer delivered by the trainer
- A neutral stimulus with no functional role
Correct answer: A conditioned reinforcer for the preceding response and an SD for the next response
Through stimulus-stimulus pairing with the terminal reinforcer, each link in the chain becomes a conditioned reinforcer while also serving as the SD for the subsequent response.
Question 7: Which is the most appropriate reason to select backward chaining over forward chaining?
- The learner already has strong prerequisite skills
- The terminal reinforcer is most impactful at the end of the task (Correct answer)
- The task has fewer than five steps
- The learner requires very few prompts
Correct answer: The terminal reinforcer is most impactful at the end of the task
Backward chaining is advantageous when ensuring the learner consistently contacts the terminal reinforcer is important, because mastery of the last step always leads directly to that reinforcer.
ABAT Skill Acquisition Programming 3
In backward chaining, the learner first learns: