Chapter 8: Shaping

Question 1

Shaping

Answer 1

the differential reinforcement of successive approximations of the target behaviour until the target behavior (or terminal behavior ) is reached

Question 2

Differential reinforcement

Answer 2

One particular behavior is reinforced, whereas all other behaviours are not

Question 3

Successive approximations

Answer 3

Each consecutive behaviour more closely resembles the target behaviour in a series of shaping steps
- target behaviour is not in the person’s repertoire

Question 4

Starting behaviour (first approximation)

Answer 4

Behaviour most similar to the target behavior is reinforced

-Next this behaviour is extinguished (no longer reinforced) —> extinction burst + novel behaviours

Question 5

Next approximation

Answer 5

The novel behaviour most similar to the target behaviour is reinforced (increases further novel behaviours)

Question 6

Shaping Steps

Answer 6

• advance to next step only after current one is mastered
• if shaping steps advance too quickly and deteriorates, return to previous approximation
• if gaps are too small, shaping will be time-consuming (and expensive) and the person can become bored

Question 7

Quantitative shaping

Answer 7

setting siretia to increase (or decrease) a dimension of an existing behaviour
ex. frequency, duration, latency, magnitude

Question 8

Qualitative (topographic shaping)

Answer 8

degree to which successive behaviours resemble the target behaviour

Question 9

Shaping has been applied to: (3 points)

Answer 9

• Physical therapy
• appropriate classroom behaviours
• animal training

Question 10

How to use shaping

Answer 10

1. define target behaviour
2. determine whether shaping is the most appropriate procedure
3. identify starting behaviour: should already be demonstrated by the individual
4. Choose shaping steps/approximations
5. decide what reinforcer to apply
6. apply reinforcement to successive approximations (and apply extinction to previous approximations)
7. proceed through shaping steps at appropriate pace