Talk the Talk: Task Analysis

In this edition of Talk the Talk, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒔 will be providing an overview of “task analysis,” a very important concept in the field of ABA!

Technical definition:

 Identifying the critical parts of a complex behavior and separating them into a series of simple responses. Task analysis can be developed by (a) observing an individual complete the task and recording the behaviors that occurred, (b) consulting an individual with specialized knowledge of a topic, or (c) completing the task yourself and recording the behaviors that occurred.

Layman’s Definition:

The process of taking complex behaviors and breaking them down into smaller and more manageable steps. These can be used to teach learners skills that are too difficult to teach all at one time, such as tying shoes or doing the dishes. A process called chaining is used to teach each skill individually and consecutively until the learner is able to complete the entire complex behavior on their own.

Examples:

• Ikea furniture instructions
• Cake recipe instructions
• Steps of handwashing hanging in the bathroom for employees
• GPS instructions from your house to your friend’s house

Non-definitions:

• All of the pieces needed to be put together a bookshelf along with a picture of the completed bookshelf
• Being told to make a cake
• The sign stating all employees must wash their hands