What is a task analysis?

A task analysis is when the steps of a complicated behavior such as washing hands are broken down into smaller more manageable steps for the learner. An example of a task analysis for washing hands is this: turn on water, wet hands, get soap, scrub hands together, rinse bubbles, turn off water, get towel, dry hands. Task analysis allow us to teach the learner step by step, to make sure the behavior is taught thoroughly and properly!