Eugene was autistic and wouldn't speak to anyone.A therapist who was working with Eugene initially gave him a cookie every time he made any sound at all.This switched to only giving cookies when Eugene said a complete word, and eventually only for complete sentences.Based on what is known about operant conditioning, you should conclude that the therapist developed Eugene's speech skills using the process known as:
A)negative reinforcement
B)shaping
C)adventitious reinforcement
D)vicarious reinforcement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The process described in the scenario is shaping, which involves reinforcing closer and closer approximations to a desired behavior. In this case, the therapist reinforced any sound from Eugene, and then gradually increased the criteria for reinforcement to only complete words and sentences. Negative reinforcement involves removing a negative stimulus to increase a behavior, and adventitious reinforcement refers to accidental reinforcement of a behavior. Vicarious reinforcement involves observing the reinforcement of another person's behavior.

Eugene Was Autistic and Wouldn't Speak to Anyone