Behavior-Change Procedures
Shaping, chaining, and group contingencies
Build new behavior through successive approximations, linked response chains, and group contingencies when those arrangements fit the goal and context.
How this shows up in scenario questions
- 1Choose shaping when the terminal response is absent.
- 2Choose chaining for multi-step skills.
- 3Select appropriate group contingency type.
Common misconceptions
- Requiring terminal behavior before reinforcement.
- Using chaining for a single response.
- Ignoring peer effects in group contingencies.
Distractor patterns
- Extinguish all approximations.
- Use total-task chaining without prerequisite skills.
- Choose dependent group contingency without considering fairness.
Related terms
shapingchainingtask analysisgroup contingencies
Related practice prompts
Use shaping for gradual response improvement.
A participant cannot yet complete requesting help, but can perform a close approximation. What strategy is most appropriate? The team is preparing for a parent review meeting.
Use shaping for gradual response improvement.
A client cannot yet complete handwashing, but can perform a close approximation. What strategy is most appropriate? The caregiver asks for a rationale that can be written in the treatment note.
Use shaping for gradual response improvement.
A trainee cannot yet complete waiting for attention, but can perform a close approximation. What strategy is most appropriate? The question comes up during a monthly progress review.