A procedure in which responses are reinforced in sequence to form more complex behaviors. As each new behavioral link is added, only the most recent link needs to be reinforced. In skills where the completion of a task might in and of itself be reinforcing, backward chaining may also be used. In this system, the last component task is taught first, then next to the last, and so on, gradually moving toward the first task. This is a level I procedure.
In ABA-based interventions, the combining of simple, component behaviors into a more complex, composite behavior. See also forward chaining and backward chaining.[ Return to the top of the page