Efficacy of Strategic Incremental Rehearsal in a Word List.

Abstract

Strategic incremental rehearsal (SIR) involves the systematic introduction of targets during instruction. Specifically, SIR includes an incrementing set size such that correct responding to a subset of targets is required before additional targets are included during instructional sessions. Prior research has arranged SIR using flashcards, although the features of SIR that are likely responsible for its efficacy may not be restricted to flashcards. In the current study, we arranged SIR in a word list (SIR-WL), which includes the presentation of target words on a single page. Instruction using SIR-WL was effective across all evaluations during sight word instruction for children exhibiting reading deficits and resulted in durable responding during maintenance and generalization probes for most targets.Several trial interspersal methods have been described in the extant literature and may confer unique benefits for skill acquisition interventions in applied practice.SIR has been shown to be effective, likely due to the arrangement of an incrementing target set size and within-session prompt delay fading.These features of SIR might also result in fewer errors than static set sizes and across-session prompt delay fading procedures.Presentation modalities, such as word lists rather than flashcards, might improve the feasibility of effective instructional methods by reducing material management.