When operant conditioning is used to shape complex behavior such as playing a piano,reinforcement is applied
A)through successive approximations.
B)by the process of punishment.
C)through an intermediary agent.
D)by waiting for the target behavior to appear,then rewarding it.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Successive approximations, also known as shaping, involves breaking down a complex behavior into smaller, more manageable steps. The individual is rewarded for each step towards the desired behavior until the behavior is fully formed. This is a common technique used in operant conditioning to shape complex behaviors such as playing a piano or learning a new language. The other options, punishment, intermediary agent, and waiting for the behavior to appear, do not accurately describe the process of shaping behavior through reinforcement.

When Operant Conditioning Is Used to Shape Complex Behavior Such