AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Shaping is the use of reinforcement of successive approximations of a desired behavior. Specifically, when using a shaping technique, each approximate desired behavior that is demonstrated is reinforced, while behaviors that are not approximations of the desired behavior are not reinforced.

Detailed explanation-2: -a method of shaping operant behavior by reinforcing responses similar to the desired behavior. Initially, responses roughly approximating the desired behavior are reinforced. Later, only responses closely approximating the desired behavior are reinforced.

Detailed explanation-3: -For example, a researcher can use shaping to train a rat to press a lever during an experiment (since rats are not born with the instinct to press a lever in a cage during an experiment). To start, the researcher may reward the rat when it makes any movement at all in the direction of the lever.

Detailed explanation-4: -By shaping, or successive approximation, we mean that we reinforce a response only when it more closely resembles the final behavior. By differential reinforcement we mean that we reinforce certain behaviors and do not reinforce others.

Detailed explanation-5: -Another name that is used for the term shaping is method of successive approximations.