Topic 9

Question 1

What is the definition of shaping and explain

define: differential reinforcement, successive approximations

Answer 1

• the differential reinforcement of successive approximations of the target behavuour until the target behaviour (terminal behaviour) is reached
• differential reinforcement: one particular behaviour is reinforced and others are not
• successive approximations: each consecutive behaviour more closely resembles the target behaviour in a series of shaping steps

Question 2

How do you shape “steps”?

Answer 2

• advance to next approximation only after current one has been mastered
• if shaping syteps advance too quickly and behaviour deteriorates, return to previous apporximation
• if gaps are too small, shpaing will be time-consuming and the person can become bored

Question 3

dimensions of behaviour

what is quantitative shaping

Answer 3

• setting criteria to increase ( or decrease) a dimension of an exisiting behaviour
• frequency, duration, latency, intensity

Question 4

dimensions of behaviour

explain qualitative (or topographic) shaping

Answer 4

• degree to which successive behaviour resmble the target behaviour
• presenting sD, reinforce any behaviour (starting behaviour) -> specific behaviour (intermediate behaviour) -> reinforce only exact limitatios (target behaviour)

Question 5

What are some examples of early shaping research

4 of them

Answer 5

1. rat works at slot machine - life magazine
2. bowling pigeons - skinner
3. easy to shape behaviour in pigeons, dogs and babies - skinner
4. shaping a dog to jump up the wall

Question 6

How to use shaping?

7 steps

Answer 6

1. define target/terminal behaviour precisely
2. determin whether shaping is the most appropriate procedure
3. identify starting behaviour: should already be demonstrated by the individual
4. choose shaping steps/approximation
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 speed

Question 7

What are the limitations of shaping?

4 of them

Answer 7

1. can be time-consuming, if numerous approximations are required
2. progress is not always linear - it may be erratic
3. requires behaviour change agent to continuously and closely monitor behaviour to detect the next approciamtion
4. may inadvertently shape problem behaviours