Shaping means:
A) learning by imitation.
B) punishing all behaviors except the one you desire.
C) reinforcing successive approximations to a target behavior.
D) using negative reinforcement-avoidance conditioning to eliminate an undesired behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping refers to the process of reinforcing successive approximations to a target behavior. This means that instead of reinforcing the final desired behavior all at once, smaller steps that approximate the final behavior are reinforced until the final behavior is achieved. This method is often used in behavior modification programs, animal training, and teaching new skills to humans. Option A (learning by imitation) is a method of observational learning, option B (punishing all behaviors except the one you desire) is a form of punishment that may not be effective in shaping desired behaviors, and option D (using negative reinforcement-avoidance conditioning to eliminate an undesired behavior) is not an example of shaping, but rather a form of negative reinforcement.

Shaping Means