Systematically reinforcing successive approximations to a desired act defines:
A) shaping
B) counterconditioning
C) stimulus generalization
D) systematic desensitization

Question

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Systematically reinforcing successive approximations to a desired act defines shaping. Shaping is a behavioral technique used in operant conditioning that involves reinforcing behaviors that are progressively closer to the target behavior, or the desired behavior, until the target behavior is achieved. This technique is useful in teaching new behaviors or shaping existing ones to become more refined or complex. Counterconditioning involves the process of replacing a negative or unwanted response to a stimulus with a positive one, while stimulus generalization refers to the tendency of a response to a particular stimulus to generalize to other similar stimuli. Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias by gradually exposing individuals to the feared object or situation while teaching them relaxation techniques.

Systematically Reinforcing Successive Approximations to a Desired Act Defines