What is a prompt hierarchy, and why is fading important?

• A. A sequence from most to least intrusive prompts; fading gradually reduces prompts to transfer control to the discriminative stimulus (SD).
• B. A single fixed prompt used across tasks; fading increases prompt intensity over time.
• C. A random set of prompts; fading postpones transfer of control.
• D. A schedule of reinforcement; fading is not used.

Answer: (A)

A prompt hierarchy is a sequence of prompts arranged from most to least intrusive, used to help a learner perform a behavior and then gradually remove the prompts. The idea is to provide the smallest prompt necessary for the learner to respond correctly, starting with strong guidance and fading to lighter cues.

Fading is the systematic reduction of prompt intensity across trials or sessions, transferring control from the prompt to the discriminative stimulus (the SD). The goal is for the learner to emit the correct response in the presence of the SD alone, showing independence and stronger stimulus control.

In practice, you might begin with a very supportive prompt (like guiding the hand) and progressively fade to less intrusive prompts (such as modeling, then verbal prompts, then no prompt at all) as the learner demonstrates reliable performance. This approach reduces prompt dependence and supports generalization of the skill.

Choosing a single fixed prompt, using prompts randomly, or sticking to a reinforcement schedule without fading do not establish the systematic transfer of control from prompts to the SD in the same way, which is why they’re not the best fit here.