Question 1

In the example in the book,which variation of shaping was used to get Mrs.S to wait more time between bathroom visits?&#10;A)generating a novel behavior&#10;B)reinstating a previously exhibited behavior&#10;C)changing some dimension of an existing behavior&#10;D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Shaping was used to change the dimension of the existing behavior (i.e., waiting time between bathroom visits) by gradually increasing the time required for Mrs. S to receive reinforcement (i.e., a visit to the bathroom). This is a classic example of differential reinforcement of successive approximations where the target behavior is gradually shaped by reinforcing closer and closer approximations to the desired behavior. Therefore, choice C is the best answer as it describes the specific variation of shaping used in this example.

Question 2

A successive approximation is a ___________________________.&#10;A)target behavior&#10;B)a shaping step&#10;C)starting behavior&#10;D)conditioned response

Accepted Answer

A successive approximation is a technique used in shaping behavior where small steps are taken towards the target behavior. Each step builds on the previous one and leads to the final desired behavior.

Question 3

If a parent uses shaping to help a child speak new words,what variation of shaping is the parent using?&#10;A)generating a novel behavior&#10;B)reinstating a previously exhibited behavior&#10;C)changing some dimension of an existing behavior&#10;D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Shaping involves reinforcing behaviors that gradually approximate the desired behavior. In this case, the desired behavior is speaking new words. By reinforcing the child's attempts to pronounce new words, the parent is generating a novel behavior.

Question 4

In the example in the book,which variation of shaping was used to get Mrs.F to walk again after her hip replacement surgery?&#10;A)generating a novel behavior&#10;B)reinstating a previously exhibited behavior&#10;C)changing some dimension of an existing behavior&#10;D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations to a desired behavior. In the case of Mrs. F walking again after her hip replacement surgery, the variation used was reinstating a previously exhibited behavior, as walking is a behavior she had exhibited before her surgery.

Question 5

When you use extinction for the previous approximation during shaping,_______________ occurs and novel behaviors emerge.You then reinforce one of the novel behaviors that is a closer approximation to the target behavior.

A)a discriminative stimulus
B)spontaneous recovery
C)intermittent reinforcement
D)an extinction burst

Accepted Answer

Extinction bursts often occur when the previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced. During this burst, novel behaviors may emerge in an attempt to receive reinforcement. By reinforcing one of these novel behaviors that is a closer approximation to the target behavior, shaping can continue and the animal can reach the final target behavior. Therefore, choice D is the best option. The other options (A, B, and C) do not describe the process of shaping via extinction and novel behaviors.

Question 6

Shaping can be used to:&#10;A)generate a novel behavior&#10;B)reinstate a previously exhibited behavior&#10;C)change some dimension of an existing behavior&#10;D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Shaping can be used to generate a novel behavior by reinforcing small approximations that lead to the targeted behavior, reinstate a previously exhibited behavior by gradually increasing the requirements for receiving reinforcement, and change some dimension of an existing behavior by reinforcing closer and closer approximations of the desired variation. Therefore, the best choice is D, which includes all options.

Question 7

If you use shaping to help a person achieve an increase in the weight she can bench press until she reaches the target behavior (150 lbs),what variation of shaping are you using&#10;A)generating a novel behavior&#10;B)reinstating a previously exhibited behavior&#10;C)changing some dimension of an existing behavior&#10;D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Shaping involves gradually changing an existing behavior until it meets a specific criterion. In this scenario, the target behavior is increasing the weight someone can bench press, which is a dimension of an existing behavior. Therefore, the variation of shaping being used is changing some dimension of an existing behavior. The other options (generating a novel behavior and reinstating a previously exhibited behavior) do not apply to this situation.

Question 8

What does it mean to use differential reinforcement with a successive approximation?&#10;A)reinforce the previous approximation and use extinction for the current approximation&#10;B)reinforce the current approximation and use extinction for the previous approximation&#10;C)reinforce the current approximation and use extinction for the next approximation&#10;D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Differential reinforcement with a successive approximation involves reinforcing the current approximation and using extinction for the previous approximation. This involves shaping behavior gradually by reinforcing closer and closer approximations to the desired behavior while extinguishing or reducing reinforcement for previous approximations that are no longer necessary or desirable. This process helps to shape the behavior towards the final desired behavior in a systematic and efficient manner. Choice A and C are not correct as they involve reinforcing or extinguishing the wrong approximation. Choice D is not a clear answer as it includes all possibilities.

Question 9

When would shaping not be the most appropriate procedure to us?&#10;A)if the person already engages in the target behavior&#10;B)if more efficient behavioral acquisition strategies can be used&#10;C)when you want to decrease a behavior&#10;D)all of these

Accepted Answer

Shaping is not the most appropriate procedure when the person already engages in the target behavior, when more efficient behavioral acquisition strategies are available, or when the goal is to decrease a behavior. Shaping is intended for gradually teaching new behaviors, not for reducing existing ones or when the behavior already exists or can be taught more efficiently through other means.

Question 10

________________ is defined as differential reinforcement of successive approximations of a target behavior.&#10;A)shaping&#10;B)discrimination training&#10;C)stimulus control&#10;D)intermittent reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Shaping is the process of reinforcing small steps or successive approximations towards a desired behavior until the behavior is fully acquired. This involves providing reinforcement for behaviors that are close to the target behavior and gradually increasing the criteria for reinforcement until the target behavior is reached. Discrimination training involves teaching an individual to respond to certain stimuli but not others. Stimulus control involves shaping a behavior so that it occurs in the presence of certain stimuli, and intermittent reinforcement involves reinforcing a behavior only some of the time rather than every time it occurs.

Deck 9: Shaping