Essential Reading
Review the below learning conversation between Mike (an RBT) and his BCBA supervisor (Susan):
Mike: Hi Susan! I have a few questions I wanted to ask you today about task analysis and chaining. Can you help me understand the difference between a behavior and a behavior chain?
Susan: Of course, Mike! In behavior analysis, a behavior refers to a specific action or response that we observe. It’s a single, discrete unit of behavior that has a clear beginning and end. On the other hand, a behavior chain is a sequence of behaviors linked together to form a larger, more complex behavior. Each behavior in the chain acts as a cue for the next behavior to occur.
Mike: That makes sense. I’ve also been working on task analysis for a client, but I’m not sure which chaining method to use. How do I choose the right one?
Susan: Great question! We choose the chaining method based on the learner’s current skills and the task’s complexity. There are forward chaining, backward chaining, and total task chaining. Each is effective in different situations, depending on the learner’s strengths, preferences, and the task itself.
Mike: Could you give me an example of forward chaining?
Susan: Sure! If a learner can’t perform many steps yet and the reinforcer at the end of the chain isn’t very strong, we might use forward chaining. We teach the first step first, and once that’s mastered, we move on to the next. Prompts are provided as needed and faded over time.
Mike: What about backward chaining?
Susan: Backward chaining is great when the last step is highly reinforcing. We teach the final step first so the learner experiences immediate reinforcement, then work backward step by step.
Mike: And total task chaining?
Susan: Total task chaining is used when the learner can already perform several steps. We prompt only the steps they haven’t mastered yet, each with a target prompt level. We record data and fade prompts as the learner progresses.
Mike: Thank you, Susan. That really helps clarify things!
Susan: You’re welcome, Mike. Always feel free to ask if you have more questions.
Optional Reading
While we’ve mostly discussed chaining for teaching new skills, it can also be used to reduce unwanted behaviors via response-chain interruption. In this paper, students describe self-administered interventions to reduce behavior chains related to smoking, hair-pulling, and eczema:
Essential Video
In this video, Veronica Howard reviews task analysis and chaining:
Also, watch this short demonstration of using backward chaining to teach hand washing, from Behavior Frontiers:
Optional Video
In this video from the Center on Transition Innovations, Stephanie Lau describes how to create a task analysis and the benefits of using this method:
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot to reinforce your understanding of task analysis and chaining.
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For guidance on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the reading, video(s), and conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words
- In your own words — do not copy from this course or chatbots
- Written in your preferred language
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarize Key Concepts: What is a behavior chain, and why is chaining useful?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain the difference between forward, backward, and total task chaining?
- Importance and Connections: Why is it helpful to break complex skills into smaller steps?
- Practical Applications: Where could you apply chaining in your own work or daily life?
- Insights: Did the examples help clarify when to use different chaining methods?
Example Reflection:
I learned that chaining helps break down complex tasks into smaller steps, making them easier to teach. I didn’t know before that backward chaining is best when the final step is naturally reinforcing — that makes sense now. Watching the handwashing example made it clearer. I can see myself using total task chaining with clients who already know parts of a task, like making a sandwich. Breaking things down this way ensures I’m not overwhelming learners and can reinforce them at each step.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
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