Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

In teaching a client to draw, which technique involves gradually removing guidance?

1. Prompting

2. Shaping

3. Fading

4. Modeling

The correct answer is: Fading

The technique that involves gradually removing guidance when teaching a client to draw is known as fading. Fading is a method used in behavioral therapy and educational settings where the support or assistance given to a learner is slowly reduced as they gain more independence and confidence in their skills. In the context of teaching drawing, fading might begin with the instructor providing substantial assistance, such as directly demonstrating or guiding the client’s hand. As the client begins to develop their drawing skills, the instructor would systematically decrease the level of assistance, encouraging the client to rely more on their own abilities. This process helps to promote autonomy and reinforce the client’s skills without overwhelming them with too little support too early in the learning process. This gradual removal of guidance is crucial because it allows the client to learn at their own pace and fosters self-efficacy, which can lead to improved performance and motivation. Overall, fading is an important strategy in skill acquisition, as it carefully balances support and independence to optimize learning outcomes.