Date of Defense

4-21-2012

Date of Graduation

4-28-2012

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Richard Malott

Second Advisor

Steven Sparks

Third Advisor

Samantha Moberg

Keywords

Auditory reinforcer; autism; TAG teaching; clicker training; playtime behaviors

Abstract

TAG (Teaching with Acoustical Guidance) involves using auditory stimuli as a reinforcer for correct behavior or correct components of a behavior chain. Theoretically, TAG is an effective reinforcer because a click (the auditory stimuli) is paired with back up reinforcers (tangible reinforcers and social praise) and consequently becomes a conditioned reinforcer. The current study assesses the effectiveness of TAG in structured playtime activities in a child diagnosed with autism. The behaviors measured include a receptive identification procedure, an imitative drawing procedure and a paperclip drop procedure. Each of these responses required multiple behaviors to be completed with the paperclip drop as the most complex behavior chain involving seven steps.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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