Relational Training System Research Articles

Transformation of Hierarchical Multiply Controlled Verbal Relations in Children With Autism in a Game of I Spy.

We evaluated the development of mutually entailed arbitrary hierarchical relations and associated transformations of stimulus function across 3 children with autism in a game of I Spy. Top-down hierarchical relational training was efficacious in establishing 4 relational categories (A) containing a total of 5 stimuli (B), where 3 of the stimuli were contained in 2 different categories. Following relational training, all participants demonstrated a transformation of function by identifying the stimuli when provided a multiple verbal stimulus with two category names during I Spy. The procedures were adapted from the PEAK Relational Training System.

Synthesizing the Multiple-Probe Experimental Design With the PEAK Relational Training System in Applied Settings.

The scientist-practitioner model necessitates embedding experimental designs within applied practice. This technical report describes a procedure for embedding a multiple-probe experimental design within the PEAK Relational Training System across all four PEAK modules. Baseline probes provide a direct test of target skills negatively endorsed within the PEAK assessment battery and can provide an estimate of skill acquisition in the absence of direct training. Temporal staggering of the probes maintains the fidelity of the experimental design and allows for the design to evolve along with learner skill acquisition. Achievement of mastery criteria demonstrates the efficacy of programming, and failure to achieve mastery can be remedied through programming adjustments that can be captured within the design. We additionally conducted a field test of the design with a child with disabilities, supporting the viability of this procedure within applied settings.

Generalized Reflexive Responding and Cross-Modal Tactile Transfer of Stimulus Function in Children with Autism.

We sought to evaluate the efficacy of successive matching training for establishing generalized reflexive matching across 4 children with autism. In Experiment 1, differential reinforcement with delay fading was efficacious in establishing "yes" and "no" matching and nonmatching responses in 2 participants when 2 identical or nonidentical picture stimuli were presented. In addition, emergent visual-visual reflexive relational responses were observed using novel picture stimuli in a transfer test phase. In Experiment 2, differential reinforcement alone was efficacious in establishing matching and nonmatching responses in the other 2 participants when 2 identical or nonidentical objects were presented. Transfer to identical objects presented through touch (i.e., tactile discrimination) was additionally observed for both participants. Procedures in the study were adapted from the PEAK Relational Training System to aid in clinical replication, and the translational results have implications for language training with individuals with autism.

Examining the Convergent Validity Between the PEAK Relational Training System’s Semi-Standardized and Standardized Skill Assessments

The current study examined the convergent validity between the standardized PEAK Comprehensive Assessment (PCA) and the semi-standardized PEAK Pre-assessment (PEAK-PA). Twenty-two participants were administered each tool, and an item by item analysis was conducted to evaluate correlations between tests. The results suggested a strong positive correlation between the PEAK-PA and the PCA score (r = .967, p < .0001). Correlations between each subtest on the PCA and the PEAK-PA were all significant at .001 level. When looking at revised items on the PCA, individuals most often scored higher on the PEAK-PA than the PCA. The results suggested that although these two tests were highly correlated, the PCA may assess a boarder range of skills that were not previously captured by the PEAK-PA. Implications for practicing clinicians in the area of autism treatment are presented.

Teaching Children with Autism to Tact the Private Events of Others.

We evaluated the efficacy of a most-to-least intrusive error-correction/prompting procedure for teaching 3 children with autism to tact the private events of others through publicly accompanying stimuli. Participants did not reliably demonstrate correct tact responses to publicly observable stimuli that accompany common emotions reported by others (e.g., bandage = hurt) in baseline. Procedures were taken from the Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Relational Training System: Direct Training Module (PEAK-DT) to aid in clinical replication, and training was introduced in a multiple-baseline design. Results showed that the procedures were efficacious in teaching this skill to each of the participants, and fast rates of acquisition were observed.

Rational skepticism: A scientific review of Witts' (2018) criticisms of the PEAK relational training system.

Witts' (2018) review of the peer-reviewed research on the PEAK-Direct Training Module (Dixon, 2014) yielded a divergent conclusion from that of previous reviews (Reed & Luiselli, 2016; Dixon, Belisle, McKeel et al., 2017). Witts advocates for skepticism of this research due to methodological shortcomings, hyperclaiming of results, and inappropriate statistical testing procedures. We identified 30 criticisms in Witts' review, respond to each, and argue that all but 2 (7%) contain untrue assumptions (7, 23%), are not novel (5, 17%), are logically invalid (7, 23%), or are more appropriately framed as criticisms of applied behavior analytic research more generally (9, 30%). The two criticisms that support Witts' purpose in writing his review are minor and not fatal. We discuss all of Witts' criticisms both specifically and broadly to illustrate that most of his suggestions about applied behavior analytic research may actually serve to hinder progress in a discipline moving toward larger-scale research.

An Initial Evaluation of an Assessment Method for the PEAK Relational System Direct Training Module.

When considering the best available treatment, it is crucial that assessments yield valid and reliable measures to produce effective treatment options. Currently, this research is limited, giving behavior analysis a platform to evaluate the psychometric properties and content validity of assessment tools used across settings. One major issue that practicing behavior analysts face is conducting the most comprehensive assessment within the time constraints put in place by insurance companies. Utilizing a method of assessment that includes indirect and direct descriptive methods and experimental manipulations could aid in cutting down assessment time, especially if those methods have known correspondence with each other. The purpose of the present study was to assess the components of the Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Relational Training System: Direct Training Module (PEAK-DT) for children with autism. More specifically, this study evaluated the correspondence between the PEAK indirect assessment (PEAK-IA) and PEAK preassessment (PEAK-PA) for the Direct Training Module. Comparisons were also made to determine which method offers the best predictive validity of actual performance on the PEAK-DT module. Results indicate that PEAK-IA completed by parents and PEAK-PA share moderate correspondence, with the PEAK-PA offering the strongest predictive validity of direct testing outcomes. Implications for behavior-analytic practice, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.

PEAK关系训练系统：孤独症语言障碍康复的新方法

PEAK关系训练系统：孤独症语言障碍康复的新方法

Targeting Staff Treatment Integrity of the PEAK Relational Training System Using Behavioral Skills Training.

PEAK is a language curriculum dedicated to expanding language via the science of behavior analysis. The present study sought to evaluate the extent to which a behavioral skills training (BST) program impacted treatment integrity for six direct care staff implementing the Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Relational Training System (PEAK) with six individuals with autism. We used a 2-h workshop-like Behavioral Skills Training (BST; instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback) targeting PEAK treatment integrity. The results indicate that BST improved overall procedural integrity for all staff. All learners with autism improved their total percentage of correct, independent responding specific to the targeted programs. Further, all (6/6) staff maintained integrity to PEAK at well above baseline levels and all individuals with autism maintained high levels of performance specific to the targeted programs. The importance of appropriate training and treatment integrity given the implementation of PEAK is discussed.

Promoting Generalized Advanced Language Skills of Children in Intensive Behavioral Intervention with Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Generalization Module (PEAK-G).

The Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Relational Training System Generalization Module (PEAK-G; Dixon, 2014) was used within a community-based intensive behavioral intervention (IBI) program to enhance the generalized advanced language skills of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Four multiple-baseline, across-behaviors designs were used to assess the effectiveness of the PEAK-G "train and test" discrete trial training (DTT) method on directly trained and generalized language skills. After implementing PEAK-G, directly trained language skills increased for all participants, and generalization to test stimuli was observed for two participants, with some generalization observed for a third participant. These data suggest that PEAK-G may be a viable option for community-based practitioners to promote more advanced generalized language skills to children who have mastered early language skills.

An Internal and Critical Review of the PEAK Relational Training System for Children with Autism and Related Intellectual Disabilities: 2014-2017.

The PEAK Relational Training System was designed as an assessment instrument and treatment protocol for addressing language and cognitive deficits in children with autism. PEAK contains four comprehensive training modules: Direct Training and Generalization emphasize a contingency-based framework of language development, and Equivalence and Transformation emphasize an approach to language development consistent with Relational Frame Theory. The present paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of peer-reviewed publications based on the entirety PEAK system through April, 2017. We describe both psychometric and outcome research, and indicate both positive features and limitations of this body of work. Finally, we note several research and practice questions that remain to be answered with the PEAK curriculum as well as other many other autism assessment and treatment protocols that are rooted within the framework of applied behavior analysis.

Utilizing PEAK Relational Training System to Teach Visual, Gustatory, and Auditory Relations to Adults with Developmental Disabilities.

Two multiple baseline designs were conducted across participants to determine if the promoting the emergence of advanced knowledge (PEAK) equivalence module was an effective tool in teaching adults with autism relationships between stimuli. More specifically, a transitivity program utilizing the gustatory sensory modality was implemented. Stimuli were selected and probed initially preceding the training. First, gustatory stimuli to a visual picture were trained. Then, a visual picture to a spoken word was trained. Finally, once mastery criterion was reached, each participant's responding was tested to determine whether there were derived relations following training. Results showed that all three participants reached mastery criterion in training sessions and were able to derive new relations without direct training.

Teaching complex verbal operants to children with autism and establishing generalization using the peak curriculum.

The present study evaluated the feasibility of the PEAK Relational Training System's Generalization Module (Dixon, 2014b) to teach and establish generalization of autoclitic mands, distorted tacts, and creative path finding in three children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Using a multiple-baseline design across behaviors, each participant was provided with differential reinforcement and a least-to-most prompting hierarchy for correct responses to a subset of stimuli, and responses to other similar stimulus sets were probed for emergent generalization. Following training, each participant successfully acquired the directly trained behaviors and demonstrated generalization to the nonreinforced test exemplars. These data support the utility of Skinner's (1957) analysis to teach complex forms of verbal operants, and suggest that a manualized curriculum such as PEAK may have utility for promoting skill development and generalization for front line staff and caregivers of children with autism.

Normative Sample of the PEAK Relational Training System: Generalization Module with Comparison to Individuals with Autism

With the rising number of individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities comes an increased need for effective assessment and treatment options. Previous research has indicated that applied behavior analytic techniques are among the most empirically supported and utilized treatments for this population; however, curriculum and assessment tools rooted in utilizing these techniques have very little empirical support for their reliability and validity. The current studies sought to assess the performance of both a normative sample and a sample with autism on one such assessment tool: The PEAK Generalization Module. Altogether, 183 typically developing children participated in study 1 and 84 children with a diagnosis of autism participated in study 2. The results indicated that the normative sample demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the PEAK Generalization Assessment and age, whereas the sample with autism demonstrated no significant relationship between the two. Further analysis indicates that the PEAK Generalization Assessment may be an appropriate tool for assessing individuals with autism across a wide range of ages, and provides a preliminary benchmark against which to measure both current functioning and progress in individuals with developmental disabilities.

Evaluating the Relationships between the PEAK Relational Training System – Direct Training Module, Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales – II

The present study sought to examine the relationships between two language assessments and a psychometrically validated adaptive behavior scale. The assessments evaluated included the Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Relational Training System - Direct Training Module (PEAK-DT), the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised (ABLLS-R), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second edition (VABS-II). The assessments were completed for 21 children diagnosed with autism. Results indicate a significant correlation between scores on the PEAK-DT and ABLLS-R (r = 0.951, p < 0.001, PEAK-DT and VABS-II (r = 0.453, p < .05), as well as the ABLLS-R and VABS-II (r = 0.563, p < 0.05). The results did not indicate any ceiling effects amongst any of the assessments. These results extend research on the psychometric properties of these assessment tools and provide implications for practitioner choice of curricula.

Promoting the emergence of advanced knowledge: A review of peak relational training system: Direct training module by Mark R. Dixon

Mark Dixon's (2014) manual, PEAK Relational Training System: Direct Training Module, proposes a novel approach to manualized evaluation and curriculum development. Dixon's PEAK system, introduced in the book as the first of four modules, translates derived relational responding methodology into a new verbal‐behavior approach. The PEAK system is firmly rooted in the basic, conceptual, and applied behavior‐analytic tradition; however, it differs substantially from the competition in its unique application of relational frame theory to produce efficient learning. The manual's accessible nature renders it a viable product for many users and readers. The growing empirical support for PEAK’s efficacy, usability, and psychometrics is impressive and provides a robust empirical basis for the system that is not described within the pages of the manual. Behavior analysts may shy away from a manualized system that explicitly omits discussion of scholarship and empirical bases but would be remiss in doing so, given the potential of PEAK to revolutionize the way clinicians and parents apply the verbal behavior approach.

Teaching Complex Verbal Operants with the PEAK Relational Training System.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of five packaged protocols from the Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) curriculum. The skills targeted in the study included complex verbal operants proposed by Skinner (Verbal behavior. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1957), an area that is lacking in the current literature. The target skills included autoclitics, metonymical tacts, tacting planet names, and guessing. The results suggest that the PEAK methodology was effective in teaching each of the targeted skills to a mastery criterion, as well as maintenance of those skills at a 2-week follow-up phase.

Derived emergence of WH question–answers in children with autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder often struggle to respond to conversational questions involving words such as “who,” “what,” and “where.” One reason for this may be that answering these types of questions requires a repertoire of relational responding in which the individual must select an answer based on the class memberships of stimuli found in the question. For example, answering the question, “Who do you see at the hospital?” requires identifying a potential response that is in coordination with both “who” and “hospital,” e.g., a doctor. The present study sought to examine this premise by providing training designed to promote relational responding to community associations, associations of noun types, and associations between wh- words and noun types. Three participants diagnosed with autism, between the ages of 10 and 12, were exposed to a multi-phase relational training sequence designed to establish equivalence class membership between community helper stimuli, noun-class stimuli, and wh- word relations using protocols from the PEAK Relational Training System (Dixon, 2015. PEAK relational training system: Equivalence module. Shawnee Scientific Press: Carbondale, IL; Dixon, in press. PEAK relational training system: Transformation module. Shawnee Scientific Press: Carbondale, IL). A concurrent multiple baseline across skills and participants design was used to evaluate the functional relationship between the establishment of these relations and the emergence of correct responding to wh- questions. Results indicated that for two of the three participants, mastery of these relations was functionally related to the emergence of accurate responding to untrained intraverbal wh- questions.

Correlation between PEAK relational training system and one-word picture vocabulary tests

The past few decades of research in autism spectrum disorders have been successful in developing effective behavioral treatments; however, the psychometrics of these strategies has not been documented well in applied settings. The current experiment evaluated the relationship between established measures of language skills (receptive and expressive one-word picture vocabulary test; ROWPVT-4 and EOWPVT-4, respectively) and a recently released assessment and curriculum tool designed to teach instructional skills using a behavior analytic approach (promoting the emergence of advanced knowledge relational training system; PEAK). Each participant was administered three assessments: The PEAK direct training module assessment, the ROWPVT-4 assessment, and the EOWPVT-4 assessment. Scores from all three assessments were compared to assess the relationship between each assessment. The results indicated both a strong correlation between the PEAK direct training module and commonly used language assessments (ROWPVT-4 and EOWPVT-4), as well as strong reliability in the administration of the assessments.

Evaluating the Efficacy of the PEAK Relational Training System Using a Randomized Controlled Trial of Children with Autism

The present investigation sought to examine the efficacy of the instructional curriculum described in the Direct Training Module of the PEAK Relational Training System on the language repertoires, as measured by the PEAK direct assessment, of children diagnosed with autism or related developmental disabilities. Twenty-seven children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders were evaluated using the PEAK direct training assessment protocol prior to assignment to control and experimental groups. Participants in the experimental group received additional language instruction derived from the curriculum programs of the Direct Training Module, while participants in the control group received treatment as usual. Both groups were then re-assessed using the PEAK direct assessment after 1 month. A repeated measures ANOVA indicated that participants in the experimental group made significantly more gains in language skills than those who were assigned to the control group, F(1, 22) = 9.684, p = .005. Implications for evidence-based practice and future research are discussed.