Question

Rewarding successive approximations toward a target behavior is _______ a. shaping b. extinction c. positive reinforcement d. negative reinforcement

Short answer

The answer is a. Shaping

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Statement and Terms

The question refers to 'rewarding successive approximations toward a target behavior', which means gradually reinforcing behaviors that are closer to the desired one. We need to match this process to the correct term amongst the options provided: 'shaping', 'extinction', 'positive reinforcement', 'negative reinforcement'.

Identify the Correct Term

Now, let's understand the meaning of each term. 'Shaping' in psychology is the process of reinforcing successively closer and closer approximations to a desired terminal behavior. 'Extinction' is the disappearance of a previously learned behavior when the behavior is not reinforced. 'Positive reinforcement' involves the addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a behavior that makes it more likely that the behavior will occur again in the future. 'Negative reinforcement' involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus when a desired behavior occurs, thereby increasing the probability of the behavior happening again.

Match the Statement with the Correct Term

The statement matches perfectly with the definition of 'shaping', which is the process of reinforcing successively more accurate attempts towards the final desired behavior.

Key concepts

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is a cornerstone concept in behavioral psychology, emphasizing the importance of consequences in shaping behavior. It occurs when a behavior is followed by a consequence that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. There are two main types of reinforcement:

• Positive Reinforcement: This involves adding a pleasant stimulus after a desired behavior. For example, giving a dog a treat for sitting on command. The treat acts as a motivator for the dog to perform the sitting behavior again.
• Negative Reinforcement: This is about removing an unpleasant stimulus when the desired behavior occurs. It's not "negative" in the sense of being bad but is about taking something aversive away. For instance, stopping a loud sound when a rat presses a lever encourages the rat to press the lever again to stop the noise.

Both forms of reinforcement aim to increase the occurrence of a behavior. They are powerful tools in behavior modification and learning, proving essential in settings ranging from classrooms to animal training.

Shaping

Shaping is a technique in behavioral psychology used to teach complex behaviors by reinforcing successive approximations. This means rewarding little steps toward the final desired behavior, allowing the individual or animal to gradually meet the behavior goal.
It’s often used when a behavior doesn’t happen naturally or spontaneously. For example, teaching a child to pronounce a difficult word requires patience and reinforcement for each sound that progressively better approximates the final word.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the shaping process:

• Identify the desired behavior or goal.
• Break down the behavior into manageable, smaller steps (approximations).
• Reinforce the first step until the behavior is consistently performed.
• Gradually reinforce behaviors that more closely resemble the desired final behavior.
• Continue until the individual achieves the target behavior.

Shaping is a critical concept because it acknowledges the importance of gradual progress and adaptation, providing an effective strategy for learning new, often complicated skills.

Behavior Modification

Behavior modification is a systemic approach to changing behavior through the use of various reinforcement techniques. It is grounded in the principles of operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner. The primary aim is to increase desired behaviors through positive and negative reinforcement, and decrease undesired behaviors through reinforcement withdrawal or punishment.
Here are key elements that make behavior modification effective:

• Clear Objectives: Having specific, measurable behavior goals.
• Consistent Reinforcement: Applying reinforcement consistently to ensure that desired behaviors are reinforced and thus, likely to be repeated.
• Monitoring: Keeping track of which behaviors are increasing or decreasing, to adjust techniques as necessary.
• Adjusting Strategies: Being flexible and ready to change reinforcement strategies based on observed behavior changes.

Behavior modification is utilized in numerous settings, from schools to therapy, providing a structured format for altering behaviors comprehensively and effectively.