What does prompt dependency refer to in the context of DTT?

Prompt dependency in the context of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) refers to the situation where a learner requires constant prompts from a teacher or facilitator to complete tasks. This occurs when a learner has not yet mastered a skill or when they rely heavily on cues to initiate or perform a desired behavior. In DTT, prompts are essential tools used to guide learners toward achieving correct responses, but if a learner consistently requires these prompts, it indicates that they have not developed the mastery or independence needed for that task.

However, the goal of DTT is often to gradually fade prompts so that the learner can demonstrate the skill independently. Therefore, while prompts serve a useful purpose, excessive reliance on them can hinder the development of self-sufficiency in the learner, highlighting the importance of managing prompt fading effectively throughout the instructional process.