Date of Award

6-2005

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. R. Wayne Fuqua

Second Advisor

Richard W. Malott, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Kristal Ehrhardt, Ph.D.

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

Discrete trial training (OTT), a commonly used applied behavior analytic therapy, uses highly structured teaching techniques to teach skills to children diagnosed with autism. OTT ;-1as been demonstrated an effective therapy for this population; however, poor treatment integrity may prevent best outcomes. Prospective OTT tutors were trained to discriminate between correct OTT implementations and errors using lecture and interactive videobased formats in two experiments. Participants' error discrimination and ability to implement OTT in role-play sessions were compared using a group design (Experiment 1) and a multiple-baseline design (Experiment 2). Videobased training did not significantly improve error discrimination over lecture in Experiment 1. Experiment 2 participants' discrimination and OTT implementation improved substantially after video-based training. Further research may more clearly specify the active training component, apply training to other program levels, and determine the impact of improved OTT integrity on outcomes for children diagnosed with autism.

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