Which procedure involves presenting prompts and gradually removing them across learning trials to promote independence?

• A. Prompt and Prompt Fading Procedures
• B. Stimulus Fading Procedures
• C. Noncontingent Reinforcement
• D. Antecedents

Answer: (A)

Prompt fading is a structured approach where you start with prompts to guide the learner to the correct response and then gradually remove those prompts across learning trials to promote independent performance. The goal is to support success while the learner gradually relies less on assistance, moving toward responding correctly on their own. You typically use a prompt hierarchy (from most to least intrusive, such as physical cues, modeling, then verbal prompts) and fade the prompts based on the learner’s accuracy or a set criterion. As prompts are faded, the learner gains longer streaks of independent correct responses, which strengthens their ability to perform the skill without help.

This approach differs from methods that simply change the stimulus or provide reinforcement without shaping how the learner responds. What you’re doing here is guiding the learner’s action with targeted supports that are systematically removed, rather than altering the task itself or delivering reinforcement independently of the learner’s behavior.