How should prompted trials be conducted according to behavior analysts?

Prompted trials are a fundamental aspect of teaching in behavior analysis, particularly when trying to help learners acquire new skills or behaviors. Conducting prompted trials involves providing assistance with the aim of ensuring the learner successfully engages in the desired behavior.

Once prompting has been utilized effectively, it is important to gradually fade those prompts to encourage independence. Following prompted trials with non-promoted or reduced prompted trials is crucial, as it helps learners practice the skill or behavior with less assistance, thereby promoting autonomy and ensuring that the learned behavior can occur without reliance on prompts. This approach aligns with the principles of systematic fading in behavior analysis, facilitating the transition from dependence on prompts to independent performance.

It is essential to strike a balance between guidance and independence. Utilizing only prompted trials could lead to over-reliance on prompts, stunting the learner's development of independent skills. Conversely, employing severe reinforcement for compliance may jeopardize the integrity of the learning process, and avoiding reinforcement altogether could lead to a lack of motivation in the learner.