Which concept involves using a task analysis to develop specific skills for creating a more complex behavior?

The concept that involves using a task analysis to develop specific skills for creating a more complex behavior is chaining. Chaining is a behavioral technique where a complex skill or behavior is broken down into smaller, manageable steps or components. Each step is taught sequentially, with the completion of one step serving as a cue for the next. This method is particularly effective in teaching skills that require multiple actions or subtasks to complete a complicated behavior, allowing the learner to gradually master each segment and eventually perform the entire behavior independently.

In chaining, task analysis is pivotal as it identifies each element of the behavior that needs to be taught. For example, if the goal is to teach a child how to brush their teeth, the task analysis might include steps such as picking up the toothbrush, applying toothpaste, brushing in circular motions, and rinsing the mouth. Each of these components is taught separately before linking them together to achieve the overall behavior of effectively brushing teeth.

Fading, prompting, and reinforcement are all important concepts in behavioral methods but serve different functions. Fading involves reducing prompts or assistance as the learner becomes more proficient, prompting provides initial support to initiate a behavior, and reinforcement strengthens the likelihood of a behavior recurring by providing rewards. However, chaining specifically focuses on the