Component evaluation of a computer based format for teaching discrete trial and backward chaining

The effectiveness of a multi-component computer based training package that consisted of competency based instructions, video modeling, and two forms of feedback was evaluated in terms of treatment integrity of two procedures across four staff. Treatment integrity in completing critical steps of discrete-trial and backward chaining procedures were measured using a multiple baseline design across participants, counterbalanced for procedures. All four participants reached 100% treatment integrity on at least one skill in a role play setting. Maintenance probes showed skills maintained at the same levels 6 weeks following training.

► The effectiveness of a multi-component computer based training package that consisted of competency based instructions, video modeling, and two forms of feedback was evaluated in terms of treatment integrity of two procedures across four staff. This is the first evaluation of a completely automated computer program to include similar components as behavior skills training.
► The evaluation extends literature that has been recently been published on the training of discrete trial instruction to include backward chaining. Previous research has not included this procedure.
► Treatment integrity of staff in a role-play scenario was found to improve as a function of training. This study does not include the use of client data, where in other studies using behavior skills training this has been used as an additional measure to validate the effectiveness of training. Although this is a limitation, it was important within this early research on a completely computer based platform which included components such as instructions, video modeling, and feedback to include a control for responding during each trial block.