Operant responses are typically established through a gradual process in which closer and closer approximations of the desired response are reinforced. What is this process called?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping is the process in which an operant response is established through reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior. This means that small behaviors that are similar to the desired response are reinforced and built upon until the desired behavior is finally achieved. This process is also known as the method of successive approximations. Other options such as modelling and discrimination do not accurately describe this process. Learning, while important, is not the specific term used to describe the process of gradually establishing operant responses through reinforcement.

Operant Responses Are Typically Established Through a Gradual Process in Which