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

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 unable to complete independently and receive prompting to proceed to the next steps until they are able to complete the entire chain independently.

5th Edition Task List

G-8  Use chaining.

6th Edition TCO

G.12 Select and implement chaining procedures.

Related Content

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    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…
  • ABA terms you need to know: behavior chain.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…
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    Any behavior chain with the requirement of not only being performed correctly and in order, but also within a specified period of time.
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    A specific collection of methods that are used to connect a specific sequence of stimuli and responses to form new behaviors.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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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