University of Central Florida (UCF) SPA3472 Behavioral Methods in Communication Disorders Practice Exam

The mention of incidental teaching and discrete trial training as the two teaching methods associated with verbal behavior is particularly relevant within the context of behavior analysis and communication disorders.

Incidental teaching refers to a method that capitalizes on natural opportunities within a child's environment to encourage language development. This method is designed to use the situations and items that capture a child's interest as a springboard for promoting communication skills. By providing prompts and reinforcement in a naturalistic context, incidental teaching helps to make learning more meaningful and contextually relevant for the child.

Discrete trial training, on the other hand, is a highly structured approach that involves breaking down skills into smaller, manageable parts and teaching these parts through repeated trials. In this method, each interaction with the learner is considered a discrete trial, which includes a clear instruction, prompt, response, and subsequent reinforcement. This systematic approach allows for precise tracking of progress and provides opportunities for consistent practice.

Both methods are effective in facilitating verbal behavior acquisition and are grounded in behavioral principles, which aim to enhance communication skills in individuals, particularly those with communication disorders. Their emphasis on structured interaction and reinforcement aligns well with the goals of teaching verbal skills, making them essential techniques in this field.

Ask an Examzify Tutor