The study’s findings, illustrated in Figure 1, showcase the percentage of correct task implementation during baseline, post-training, and generalization probe sessions. The results point towards significant improvement after training. This raises the question: What Is Guided Compliance, and how can it be effectively implemented?
Analyzing Guided Compliance Implementation
During the baseline phase, Arlene, Laura, and Maggie averaged 38%, 36%, and 29% correct responses, respectively. Following targeted training, all three participants met the established post-training completion criterion.
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Arlene: Correct responses surged to 99% during post-training, achieving the criterion within nine sessions. Her performance during the generalization probe remained consistent at 98%.
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Laura: Post-training correct responses averaged 97%, meeting the criterion in eight sessions. Generalization probe performance reached 94%.
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Maggie: Achieved a 95% mean in post-training, meeting the criterion within six sessions. Her generalization probe score was 86%.
Percentage of correct implementation of guided compliance across baseline, posttraining, and a generalization probe for Arlene, Laura, and Maggie
Furthermore, the study examined the impact on child compliance. Data indicated improvements for two out of the three children involved:
- Arlene’s child: Compliance levels remained stable at 37% (baseline) and 35% (post-training).
- Laura’s child: Improved from 39% (baseline) to 50% (post-training).
- Maggie’s child: Showed a significant increase from 45% (baseline) to 63% (post-training).
The Power of Training in Guided Compliance
The study’s outcomes suggest that individuals with limited behavioral analysis experience can effectively learn and implement guided compliance techniques with a structured training approach. These findings corroborate earlier research by Sarokoff and Sturmey (2004), which demonstrates the effectiveness of Behavior Skills Training (BST) in teaching caregivers interventions for addressing non-compliance in young children. The study highlighted common initial errors made by caregivers, such as phrasing instructions as questions instead of directives, or prematurely praising compliance after physical prompts. These observations highlight the importance of precise instruction delivery and timing in guided compliance.
Limitations and Future Research
While the study provides valuable insights, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations. The multi-component nature of the BST package makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact elements driving behavioral change. Further research is needed to isolate and understand these specific mechanisms. The study’s focus on a single task also limits the generalizability of the findings. Future studies should explore the application of BST in teaching guided compliance across various instructions and tasks. The presence of post-training feedback also obscures the independent effects of training versus feedback.
Conclusion: Implications for Guided Compliance
The study reinforces the potential of targeted training to improve the implementation of guided compliance by caregivers. While further research is warranted to address the study’s limitations, the findings suggest that Behavior Skills Training can be a valuable tool in addressing non-compliance in young children. Further exploration of what is guided compliance and its application is crucial for optimizing its effectiveness.
