Self-initiated responses of moderately and mildly mentally retarded subjects during three types of prompt sequences were compared. Results showed a significant difference in target behavior due to a type of prompt sequence. The prompt sequence that started with a verbal prompt and physical assistance resulted in a significantly higher rate of self-initiated responses. Giving verbal prompts while providing lessening amounts of physical assistance was superior to giving physical assistance without verbal prompts. Also, verbal prompts by themselves resulted in a low probability of self-initiated responding.