What term describes the process of reducing assistance over time during training?

The term that describes the process of reducing assistance over time during training is prompt fading. This technique is essential in skills acquisition, allowing learners to gain independence and confidence in performing tasks.

Prompt fading involves systematically decreasing the level of guidance or support provided as the individual becomes more proficient in the task. For instance, if a trainer initially provides verbal prompts or physical assistance, they gradually reduce these supports as the learner demonstrates improved competency. This process helps ensure that the learner can eventually perform the task independently, which is a critical goal in many instructional settings.

The other options represent different concepts. Task analysis is the breakdown of a task into smaller, teachable components. Differential reinforcement involves reinforcing specific behaviors while withholding reinforcement for others, and behavior shaping refers to the process of reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. While these methods can be related to training and instruction, they do not specifically focus on the aspect of reducing assistance over time as prompt fading does.