At the National Zoological Park in Washington,D.C.,a polar bear suffered a broken tooth,and keepers needed a safe way to treat the problem.The bear was rewarded first for sticking its nose through a slot in the cage door,then for allowing a keeper to lift its lip and touch its teeth.Finally,a veterinarian was able to treat the damaged tooth while the bear waited placidly for its familiar reward.This is an example of _______.
A)modelling
B)shaping
C)negative reinforcement
D)secondary learning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario describes the process of shaping, which involves reinforcing successive approximations towards a desired behavior. The keepers initially rewarded the bear for sticking its nose through a slot, then for allowing its teeth to be touched, ultimately leading up to the bear being able to safely receive treatment for its broken tooth. This gradual approach towards the desired behavior is characteristic of shaping.