What behavior strategy involves teaching complex behaviors by breaking them into sequential steps?

The behavior strategy that involves teaching complex behaviors by breaking them into sequential steps is known as chaining. This approach allows for the systematic instruction of behaviors that may initially seem overwhelming when viewed as a whole. By dividing these behaviors into smaller, manageable tasks, an individual can learn each step progressively.

For example, if you were teaching someone to wash their hands, you would break this down into individual steps such as turning on the faucet, wetting the hands, applying soap, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying. Each step can be taught and reinforced separately before linking them together into a complete sequence. This not only enhances the learning process but also reinforces positive behavior through mastery of each step, ultimately leading to the desired outcome.

In this context, chaining is particularly effective in various settings, including educational and therapeutic environments, as it supports the gradual acquisition of skills through clear structure and repetition.