Shaping with response prompts should be faded over time to promote independence.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Depends

Answer: (A)

Fading response prompts to promote independence is a foundational practice in shaping. When you shape a new behavior, you reinforce closer and closer approximations while gradually reducing the assistance provided. Response prompts are cues given after the learner initiates a response to guide the next step. If prompts stay constant, the learner may come to rely on them instead of performing the behavior autonomously, preventing true independence. By fading these prompts over time, you transfer control to the learner, increasing the likelihood that the target behavior occurs without prompts across settings and remains reinforced.

For example, you might start with a full verbal prompt to say a word, then progressively reduce the prompt level to a partial prompt, then to a minimal cue, and finally to independent initiation. This approach keeps reinforcement contingent on the desired behavior while steadily decreasing guidance. So, the statement is true: shaping with response prompts should be faded over time to promote independence. If needed, you tailor the pace of fading to the learner, but the goal remains clear—independence through prompt fading.