A nurse, working with a patient in a drug rehabilitation center, provides positive reinforcement each time the patient demonstrates behavior that moves him closer to accomplishing the goal of remaining drug free. The nurse recognizes this type of reinforcement will motivate the patient to engage in the desired behavior. This type of reinforcement is referred to as what?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping refers to the reinforcement of successive approximations of the target behavior. The long-term goal is broken down into smaller steps. The person is reinforced for any behavior that gets him or her closer to accomplishing the desired behavior. Rewarding specific behaviors that move the person in the direction of the desired behavior (successive approximations) motivates the person to engage in the desired behavior. Steps build one upon the other, moving learners from the familiar to the unfamiliar as they progress toward meeting treatment goals.

A Nurse, Working with a Patient in a Drug Rehabilitation