A Parametric Analysis of Rehearsal Opportunities During Training of Functional Analysis Conditions

Abstract

The purpose of the current studies was to evaluate the use of rehearsal during training on the fidelity of functional analysis conditions. Study 1 used a parametric analysis of the number of rehearsal opportunities to examine the effects on the fidelity with which participants implemented three functional analysis conditions. One, three, and 10 rehearsals were examined, which were counterbalanced across three undergraduate participants. Next, participants experienced additional rehearsals until they met criterion. On average, participants met criterion after 7.6 rehearsals (4, 5.7, and 13 rehearsals for the one, three, and 10 rehearsal conditions, respectively). Study 2 incorporated a video model to evaluate the effects of the number of rehearsal opportunities with a behavioral skills training package with 18 undergraduate participants. Results indicate the addition of the video model decreased the average number of rehearsals (M = 6.3) necessary to meet criterion by just over one and a half rehearsals (3.5, 4.8, and 11.5 rehearsals for the one, three, and 10 rehearsal conditions, respectively) compared to Study 1. A training acceptability survey suggested rehearsal with feedback was more acceptable than instructions and the full behavioral skills training package was highly acceptable.