A video-based virtual environment for teaching social skills to adolescents with autism: in search of generalisation

Barry, Owen 2015. A video-based virtual environment for teaching social skills to adolescents with autism: in search of generalisation. DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

Preview	PDF (Thesis) - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (2MB) | Preview
	PDF (Publication Form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (83kB)

Abstract

This document is separated into three parts. Part A provides a detailed literature review that examines the current understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Attention is drawn to the social difficulties that this population shares and how these might impact upon general life outcomes. It considers the psychological theories that aim to explain the population’s difficulties in generalising knowledge and skills to novel settings. The body of research on the approach of social skills training (SST) for developing the social and communication difficulties of those with ASC is then discussed, followed by a critique of these approaches. Virtual environments are then introduced and their potential usefulness in social skills training is argued. Current exploratory research in the area of virtual environments and SST is briefly critiqued and subsequent research questions are proposed. Part B is an account of the empirical study, which aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a video virtual environment for teaching social skills to 18 adolescents with ASC. The approach to creating a virtual environment was novel and the unique materials and arrangement were described in detail. Specific teaching strategies to promote generalization were included in the design. Participants were observed pre- and post-intervention in a targeted social scenario. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were administered with parents and teachers. The results are discussed and implications for future practice are provided.

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Autism Spectrum Disorders,’ ‘Autism Spectrum Conditions,’ ‘Autism,’ ‘Virtual Environments,’ ‘Virtual Learning Environments,’ ‘Virtual Reality,’ ‘Social Skills,’ ‘Social Competence,’ ‘Social Skills Training,’ ‘Social Communication Training,’ ‘Generalisation,’ and ‘Transference'.
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2017 11:26
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/79398

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item