Alex learned how to make 3-point basketball shots by successfully making very short shots before shooting from increasingly longer distances from the hoop.This learning strategy best illustrates the process of
A) variable-interval scheduling.
B) delayed reinforcement.
C) spontaneous recovery.
D) shaping.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping is the process of reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. In this scenario, Alex was reinforced for making very short shots before moving on to longer distances, which is an example of shaping. Variable-interval scheduling refers to a reinforcement schedule where a behavior is reinforced after a varying amount of time has elapsed and is not applicable in this scenario. Delayed reinforcement refers to a reinforcement schedule where a behavior is reinforced after a delay and does not apply in this scenario. Spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of an extinguished behavior after a rest period, which is not relevant in this scenario.

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