What does "prompting" refer to in behavior analysis?

Prompting refers to a technique used in behavior analysis to guide a learner toward a desired behavior. This technique involves providing assistance or cues to help the individual perform a specific action or response. The purpose of prompting is to increase the likelihood that the learner will engage in the targeted behavior, especially when the behavior is new or not yet mastered.

In practice, prompts can take various forms, including verbal instructions, gestures, modeling, or physical guidance. The use of prompts is essential in teaching new skills, as it supports the learner's understanding and execution of the desired behavior. Over time, prompts can be gradually faded to encourage the learner to perform the behavior independently.

In contrast, eliminating undesired behaviors focuses on reducing or removing specific actions that are not appropriate, and while this is an essential aspect of behavior modification, it does not encapsulate the meaning of prompting. Providing inappropriate cues goes against the principles of prompting, which aims to offer constructive guidance rather than confusion or misleading direction. Documenting behavior incidents is a different process altogether and does not align with the concept of prompting or its purpose in behavior analysis.