Behavior Chain

Behavior Chain means a sequence of individual responses where each step produces a cue for the next and the last step delivers reinforcement.

Application in ABA and RBT Practice
RBTs break long skills into smaller, teachable steps. Each response leads naturally to the next, so the chain flows. Data are often collected using task analyses to track progress step by step.

Examples
• Brushing teeth: picking up the toothbrush → putting toothpaste → brushing → rinsing → putting toothbrush away.
• Making a sandwich: laying bread → spreading peanut butter → adding jelly → closing sandwich.

Why It Matters
Chaining teaches independence with complex skills that cannot be learned all at once.

Common Mistakes
Teaching out of order, not reinforcing the final step, or failing to define each link clearly.