Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2025
12:39
A Methodology for Capturing Joint Visual Attention Using Mobile Eye-Trackers
Published on: January 18, 2020
7.8K
Teaching Joint Attention: Assessing Generalization and Maintenance of Effects using Multiple Exemplar Training
Brianne M Fredericks1, Sylvia Sze Ya Sng2, Diana Parry-Cruwys3
1Constellations Behavioral Services, Portsmouth, NH, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|June 18, 2022
Summary
Multiple exemplar training and social reinforcement effectively improved joint attention skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These interventions led to skill maintenance and generalization across different toy categories.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Joint attention is a crucial social communication skill.
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit deficits in joint attention.
- Effective interventions are needed to improve joint attention in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of multiple exemplar training (MET) and social reinforcement on joint attention initiations in children with ASD.
- To examine the maintenance and generalization of these skills across different toy classes.
Main Methods:
- Three children with ASD participated in the study.
- Gaze shifting and commenting were taught using MET and social reinforcement.
- Joint attention initiations were measured using a composite score derived from neurotypical peer samples.
Main Results:
- Participants successfully acquired gaze shifting and commenting skills.
- Trained skills were maintained during follow-up probes.
- Generalization of joint attention skills to untrained stimuli was observed across toy classes.
Conclusions:
- MET combined with social reinforcement is an effective strategy for teaching joint attention to children with ASD.
- The intervention promotes skill maintenance and generalization, leading to functional improvements in social communication.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Observational Learning
302
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning...
302
01:27Associative Learning
563
Associative learning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, wherein a connection is established between two stimuli or events, leading to a learned response. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors are acquired and modified. Conditioning, the mechanism through which associations are formed, can be divided into two main types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, each elucidating different aspects of associative learning.
Classical conditioning, also known...
Classical conditioning, also known...
563
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
110
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
110
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
779
Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
779
01:22Purposive Learning
200
E. C. Tolman emphasized the purposiveness of behavior — the idea that much of our behavior is goal-directed. For instance, employees who aim for a promotion work diligently to meet their targets. Tolman argued that when classical conditioning and operant conditioning occur, the organism acquires certain expectations. In classical conditioning, a child might fear a dog because they expect it to bite. In operant conditioning, a person might consistently work overtime because they expect a...
200
01:07Elaborative Rehearsals
129
Elaborative rehearsal is a crucial cognitive strategy that strengthens information encoding in long-term memory by making meaningful connections between new data and pre-existing knowledge. This approach contrasts with maintenance rehearsal, which involves simple repetition without delving into the significance of the information. While maintenance rehearsal might temporarily keep information active in short-term memory, it is less effective for long-term retention.
The effectiveness of...
The effectiveness of...
129