In mass trialing, what is primarily being taught?

Mass trialing primarily focuses on teaching receptive language skills. This method involves presenting multiple exemplars of a stimulus while providing opportunities for the learner to respond appropriately. For example, in a mass trialing session, a practitioner may present a series of pictures of objects while instructing the learner to identify or respond to these objects.

The goal of mass trialing is to reinforce the connection between words and their meanings, helping the learner improve their ability to understand and process language. This technique is particularly effective for individuals with autism, who may need additional support in developing receptive language abilities.

While the other options involve important skills, they are not the primary focus of mass trialing. Complex social behaviors, for instance, often require interaction and may not be effectively addressed through the repetitive structure of mass trialing. Writing skills typically necessitate different instructional strategies, and independence in decision-making encompasses broader cognitive skills that extend beyond simply responding to prompts. The focused approach of mass trialing makes it specifically well-suited for enhancing receptive language skills.