A child is reinforced for saying "wa-wa," then "watah," and finally, "water." In this example_________________, has been shaped.
A)frequency
B)topography
C)amount
D)intensity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping involves gradually reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior until the desired behavior is achieved. In this example, the child is gradually moving closer to saying "water" by first saying "wa-wa," then "watah," and finally, "water." This is a change in the topography or form of the behavior, not frequency (how often the behavior occurs), amount (how much of the behavior is displayed), or intensity (how strong or forceful the behavior is).

A Child Is Reinforced for Saying "Wa-Wa," Then "Watah," and Finally