How many methods of teaching complex skills are recognized?

The correct choice reflects the understanding that three methods of teaching complex skills are recognized within behavior analysis. These methods are typically generalized as shaping, chaining, and modeling.

Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior, allowing learners to develop complex skills gradually. This method is particularly effective in teaching new behaviors that the learner has not previously demonstrated.

Chaining consists of breaking down a complex behavior into smaller, manageable components. Each step in the chain is taught sequentially, building upon each learned behavior until the entire skill is mastered. This approach is especially useful for skills requiring multiple actions performed in a specific sequence.

Modeling involves demonstrating a behavior for the learner to observe and imitate. This method is advantageous because it provides a clear example of how the behavior should look and can help learners grasp the nuances of the skill more effectively.

Together, these three methods offer a comprehensive framework for teaching complex skills, each contributing uniquely to the learning process.