ABA Glossary

By Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA
Edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D
ABA Glossary by Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA, edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D

Behavior chain

A specific sequence of discrete responses/behaviors that, when linked together, form a terminal behavior. Each discrete response/behavior is associated with a particular stimulus condition (SD), and each response and the associated SD serve as an individual component of the chain.

5th Edition Task List

G-8  Use chaining.

6th Edition TCO

G.12 Select and implement chaining procedures.

Related Content

  • Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear. Refer to the 6th Edition Test Content Outline Domain G.11: Shape dimensions of behavior; and Domain G.12: Select and implement chaining procedures.Dana Do's: Clearing Up the Confusion Over Shaping and Chaining
    Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear.
  • Total-task chaining
    A variation of the forward chaining method in which every step of a task analysis is taught in each session. The individual is assisted on any steps that they are…
  • Task analysis
    A breakdown of a complex behavior into small, teachable units that establish a behavior chain (series of steps and tasks presented in a specific order) that must occur in a…
  • Forward chaining
    A chaining method that involves teaching the behavior chain one step at a time, in its naturally occurring order, starting with the first step. The process involves moving on to…
  • Behavior chain with a limited hold
    Any behavior chain with the requirement of not only being performed correctly and in order, but also within a specified period of time.
  • Chaining
    A specific collection of methods that are used to connect a specific sequence of stimuli and responses to form new behaviors.
  • Backward chaining
    A chaining method in which an instructor initially completes the chain in its naturally occurring order, and then the individual is taught one step at a time, starting from the…
  • Backward chaining with leap aheads
    A variation of the backward chain in which any step in the task analysis that is already in the individual’s repertoire is not formally trained.
  • Dana Do's: Chain Chain Chain, Chain, Chain...
    Which chaining method goes with which behavior? Dana Meller offers some considerations that may help you answer that question on the exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section Section G-8: Use chaining.
  • What chaining methods to use on what behaviors.Dana Do's: What Chaining Method to Use When?
    The books don't really say much about what chaining methods BCBA's should apply to what behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it down. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the concept of enhancing reinforcement schedules by adding an extra criterion to motivate quicker and more accurate responses. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.Boosting Speed & Accuracy with Reinforcement Schedule Parameters
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the concept of enhancing reinforcement schedules by adding an extra criterion to motivate quicker and more accurate responses. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about chaining.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Level Up Your Chaining Game for Maximum Efficiency & Natural SR+
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews and breaks down in detail a BCBA® mock exam question about different chaining methods in behavior analysis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.
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