An imitative repertoire is required for modelling to be an effective prompt.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Modeling works as a prompting strategy because it provides a demonstration for the learner to imitate. The effectiveness hinges on the learner having an imitative repertoire—the ability to reproduce the observed action or sound. When the learner can imitate, observing the model increases the likelihood that they'll emit the same response, and reinforcement strengthens that imitation. If imitation skills are absent, the modeled demonstration won't cue the target response, so modeling won’t function well as a prompt. In practice, you often establish or strengthen imitation skills first (for example, through guided practice or echoic prompts) and then use modeling to prompt and fade prompts as imitation becomes fluent. Some learners may require additional prompts or alternative strategies before modeling can serve as an effective prompt, but the core idea is that an imitative repertoire is necessary for modeling to be effective.