Skill Acquisition Treatment Flashcards

In forward chaining, which step does the learner complete first?

Answer: The first step in the task analysis

Forward chaining teaches the first step in the task analysis first, then adds subsequent steps sequentially.

A technician completes all steps of a task for the learner except the final step, which the learner performs independently. This is an example of:

Answer: Backward chaining

Backward chaining teaches the last step first, with the trainer completing all preceding steps so the learner always finishes the task.

Which prompt fading strategy begins with the most intrusive prompt and gradually reduces assistance?

Answer: Most-to-least prompting

Most-to-least prompting starts with the highest level of support and systematically fades to less intrusive prompts as the learner gains independence.

Generalization is considered successful when a learner can perform a skill with:

Answer: Novel people, settings, and materials not used in training

Generalization means the skill transfers across different people, settings, and materials beyond those used in the original training.

When a learner correctly identifies a dog from a cat when both are presented together, this demonstrates:

Answer: Stimulus discrimination

Stimulus discrimination occurs when the learner responds differently to two distinct stimuli, selecting the correct one.

Distributed practice in skill acquisition involves:

Answer: Alternating between different skills or targets across teaching opportunities

Distributed practice spaces trials across multiple skills or timeframes, which often promotes better retention than massed practice.

A task analysis for handwashing breaks the skill into 12 individual steps. What is the primary purpose of this breakdown?

Answer: To teach complex skills by targeting each component behavior

A task analysis breaks a complex skill into discrete, teachable steps so each component can be systematically trained and reinforced.