Behavior-Change Procedures
Prompting and fading
Use prompts to occasion correct responding, then systematically fade them while reinforcing more independent responses.
How this shows up in scenario questions
- 1Address prompt dependence.
- 2Choose prompt fading over punishment.
- 3Transfer stimulus control to natural cues.
Common misconceptions
- Keeping strong prompts because errors are low.
- Removing all reinforcement abruptly.
- Treating prompt dependence as noncompliance.
Distractor patterns
- Maintain full verbal prompt indefinitely.
- Use response cost for prompted responses.
- Stop reinforcing all prompted responses at once.
Related terms
prompt dependencestimulus control transferdifferential reinforcement
Related practice prompts
Match prompting and fading to skill acquisition needs.
A learner answers correctly only when the instructor gives a full verbal prompt. The goal is independent responding. What should the BCBA adjust?
Distinguish motivating operations from discriminative stimuli.
A learner is more likely to request water after recess on hot days. The hot day and exercise most directly alter the value of water as a reinforcer. What concept is illustrated?
Use differential reinforcement while planning for extinction effects.
A team begins withholding attention after minor attention-maintained disruption while reinforcing appropriate attention requests. Disruption briefly increases during the first sessions. What should the BCBA do?