Date

Spring 2019

Document Type

Master's Thesis (Open Access)

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Teacher Education

Abstract

Many young adults diagnosed with autism require thorough instruction that can be labor- and time-intensive, and a focus on generalization of learned skills must be incorporated into effective instructional techniques. Matrix training aims to address each of those considerations by providing a framework for systematic selection of targets to be taught to individuals so that instructional gains are maximized. A multiple-baseline across participants A-B-C design was used in the present study to investigate the effects of matrix training on the generalization of color and shape tacts (labels) for three young adults with autism. It was hypothesized that organizing concepts across a matrix and systematically teaching targets that fell along the diagonal line of the matrix would increase accurate responding when the remaining untaught targets were tested in the final phase of the study. The findings from this study are consistent with prior research in that matrix training was found to be effective in increasing participants' ability to generalize new combinations of taught colors and shapes. Additional studies are warranted to explore the use of matrix training paired with other instructional strategies, to teach different skills, and with more diverse populations

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