G-5 Use modeling and imitation training

Imitation

• Imitation can be functionally defined using the behavior-environment relations of formal similarity, model, immediacy.
• During the assessing and teaching phase of imitation training it is important to reduce challenging behaviors, determine gross and fine motor skills, and attending skills which are prerequisites for the target behaviors. 
• The goal of imitation training is to teach the client to follow what the model does.
• One of the guidelines for imitation training is to record data on the behavior.
• Immitation training sessions should be during short intervals.
• It is important when using prompts during imitation training that the BCBA does Fading out prompts so the learner does not become dependent on the prompts and is able to indepently engage in the target behavior until they achieve mastery. 
• When sequencing during imitation training it is important to arrange the models using behavioral momentum to increase the likelihood of the novel behaviors to occur successfully when arranged after mastered tasks #highptolowp
• The first step to implementing imitation training is pre-assessment of the imitation behavior to see what the client can do without being taugh to get a baseline.
• Select model: they are given a model for the correct behavior that shows them what to do and how to complete the behavior.

 

Modeling

• A Model that occurs in everyday life is considered unplanned as it is naturally occuring/incidental
• The two types of models:planned and unplanned models.
• A model that's pre-arranged is a planned model. They are contrived and not naturally occurring in everyday life.
• Model is to stimulus as imitation is to behavior. The model is the stimulus and the behavior would be to imitate the model. 

 

Four of  behavior-environment : Formal similarity, Immediacy, Model, Controlled relations

• Controlled relations : The model serve as the SD for the imitation behavior shows a controlled relation.
• Immediacy : if something is within a few seconds, we are looking at the IMMEDIACY of the response. 
• Model : SD is presented in an effort to evoke imitation.
• Formal similarity: the model and the behavior have to look alike and be in the same mode #mirror #lookthesame