What does prompt delay involve in behavior instruction?

Prompt delay is a technique used in behavior instruction that involves gradually increasing the time before a prompt is given after a request or a cue. This strategy allows learners to process the information and attempt to respond independently before receiving assistance. By implementing a delay, educators can help foster independence in learners as they learn to rely less on prompts and more on their own abilities.

This method is particularly effective in promoting generalization and retention of skills, as it encourages the individual to wait and make an effort to respond without immediate assistance. Over time, as the delay is systematically increased, the learner may become more proficient in performing the task independently.

In contrast, immediate prompting with no delay does not give the learner a chance to attempt the behavior on their own, while removing prompts entirely can lead to frustration if the learner is not yet ready. Providing prompts after every behavior may create dependency on those prompts, which does not encourage the development of independent skills. Thus, prompt delay serves a vital role in teaching and reinforcing behaviors for lasting learning outcomes.