What does a Time Delay Prompt involve?

A Time Delay Prompt involves varying the time interval before presenting a response prompt. This technique is used in behavior analysis to encourage independent responding from the individual receiving the instruction. By allowing a brief delay after the initial stimulus is presented, the individual is given an opportunity to respond on their own before assistance is provided. This method fosters the development of independent skills and can help to shape behavior over time by ensuring that the learner is not overly reliant on prompts.

In practice, if a learner does not respond within the set time frame, a response prompt may then be introduced to guide them towards the correct answer. This systematic approach can be particularly effective in enhancing learning and retention of skills, as it gradually fades prompts and promotes self-initiation.