What is the process of gradually shifting the controlling antecedent for a response called?

The process of gradually shifting the controlling antecedent for a response is known as stimulus control transfer. This involves changing the environment or context in which a behavior is elicited, so that the same response can occur under different antecedent conditions. Essentially, it involves reinforcing a behavior in the presence of one stimulus and then gradually transferring that control to another stimulus, ensuring that the behavior remains consistent despite changes in context.

Stimulus control transfer is crucial in behavior analysis, especially when teaching new skills or behaviors. For example, if an individual learns to respond to a specific cue, the aim might be to enable them to generalize that response to different but related cues, thereby increasing their flexibility and adaptability in various situations.

The other options do not accurately describe this specific process. While response transfer and behavioral modification may relate to other aspects of behavior change, they do not convey the same focus on the antecedent shift as stimulus control transfer does. Response adaptation refers more generally to changes in responding due to new environments or contexts, rather than the intentional, systematic process of managing antecedents for a particular response.