Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured teaching method used in AppliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in... BehaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living o... Analysis (ABA) that breaks down skills into small, manageable components, with each learning opportunity (or trial) having a clear beginning and end. DTT involves presenting a stimulusStimulus is defined as any change in the environment or..., prompting the desired behavior, and providing reinforcementReinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior A... for correct responses. The goal is to teach specific skills in a systematic way through repeated trials, and it typically follows a three-part structure: the discriminative stimulus (SD), the responseA response is a single occurrence or instance of a... from the learner, and the consequence (reinforcement or corrective feedback).
Example
A behavior analyst is using DTT to teach a child to identify colors. Each trial begins with the teacher presenting a discriminative stimulus (SD), such as holding up a red card and saying, “What color is this?” The child’s response might be saying “red.” If the child responds correctly, the teacher provides reinforcement, such as praise or a small reward (e.g., a sticker). If the child responds incorrectly, the teacher gives corrective feedback and may prompt the correct response before moving to the next trial. The trials are presented in quick succession, helping the child learn the skill through repeated practice.