07/20/2022
By Jamie Trottier
The Psychology Department invites you to a Master's Defense:
Candidate Name: Gloria Leyla Fanning Tacoaman
Defense Date: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. to noon ET
Location: Room 245, Coburn Hall, South Campus or via Zoom
Thesis Title: An Evaluation of Video Modeling with Embedded and Voice Over Instructions To Teach Pairing Procedures
Advisor: Rocio Rosales, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Committee Members:
- Rebecca Markovits, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Sarah Connolly, Ph.D., BCBA-D, May Institute
- Samuel Shvarts, M.S., BCBA, May Institute
Abstract: Pairing is a commonly recommended practice used to build rapport and create positive therapeutic environments (Lugo et al., 2017; Shillingsburg, et al., 2019; Smith, 2001; Sundberg & Partington, 2010). To date, there are limited technological procedures and/or operational definitions specific to training staff on structured pairing procedures. Video modeling is an evidence-based training approach that has been used to teach a variety of skills to staff working with children (Bovi et al., 2017). The purpose of the present study was to begin to formalize the training process for the initial stages of pairing in a structured protocol by systematically replicating and extending video modeling training research to teach pairing procedures to behavior technicians. The study used a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Results indicate video modeling with embedded and voice over instructions is an effective and efficient method to train initial pairing procedures to direct care staff. Implications of these results will be discussed.