What does the systematic reduction of a prompt until it is eliminated or redefined refer to?

The systematic reduction of a prompt until it is eliminated or redefined refers to the process known as prompt fading. This technique is widely used in behavioral interventions and teaching strategies to encourage independence in learners. By gradually reducing the level of assistance or cues provided, the individual learns to perform the desired behavior or skill with less reliance on external prompts.

Prompt fading allows individuals to gain confidence and ultimately master tasks on their own, as it ensures that the prompts provided are only as strong as necessary to facilitate initial learning. Over time, by fading the prompts, the individual is able to generalize the skill to different settings or situations without the prompt. This method is often employed in special education and therapeutic practices to develop independent functioning in various activities.