Which of the following is an example of a prompting strategy to prevent problem behavior?

• A. Ignoring the problem behavior when it occurs
• B. Providing a reward after the problem behavior stops
• C. Giving a verbal reminder to a student before they enter a situation that typically triggers problem behavior
• D. Punishing the student after the problem behavior occurs

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a prompting strategy is. In psychology, prompting involves giving a cue or reminder before a behavior occurs to encourage the desired behavior or prevent an undesired one.
2. Step 2: Identify the timing of each option relative to the problem behavior. Prompting strategies occur before the behavior, while ignoring, rewarding, or punishing happen after the behavior.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options: Ignoring the behavior happens after it occurs, so it is not prompting. Providing a reward after the behavior stops is a consequence, not a prompt. Punishing after the behavior is also a consequence.
4. Step 4: Recognize that giving a verbal reminder before the student enters a triggering situation is a proactive cue designed to prevent the problem behavior, fitting the definition of a prompting strategy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct example of a prompting strategy is the verbal reminder given before the triggering situation, as it aims to prevent the problem behavior before it starts.