What does fading refer to in behavior modification?

Fading is a key concept in behavior modification that involves the gradual withdrawal of explicit prompts or cues, allowing the individual to become more independent and rely on their internal resources to perform a desired behavior. This technique helps ensure that the person can maintain the learned behavior even after support is reduced, promoting autonomy and generalization of skills to various contexts.

For example, in a therapeutic setting, a music therapist might initially use verbal prompts or visual aids to encourage a client to participate in a music activity. Over time, these prompts can be systematically reduced until the client is able to engage in the activity independently. This method not only helps in reinforcing the behavior but also builds confidence and competence in the individual.

The other options describe different concepts in behavior modification, such as the introduction of new behaviors or reinforcement levels, which do not directly relate to the notion of fading. It is important to focus on the gradual reduction process inherent in fading, as it highlights the transitional nature of behavior modification and its emphasis on independent functioning.