Question

True or False: During shaping, the first successive approximation is reinforced until it reliably occurs. Then, the fist approximation is placed on extinction and the second approximation is reinforced until it reliably occurs. Then, the first and second approximations are placed on extinction and the third approximation is reinforced until it reliably occurs. This process continues the target behavior occurs.

Answer 1

The statement about shaping in operant conditioning is true; reinforcing successive approximations and placing previous ones on extinction is the correct process until the target behavior is achieved.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is True: During shaping, the first successive approximation is reinforced until it reliably occurs. Then, the first approximation is placed on extinction and the second approximation is reinforced until it reliably occurs. Subsequently, the first and second approximations are placed on extinction, and the third approximation is reinforced until it reliably occurs. This process continues until the target behavior occurs. In the context of operant conditioning, shaping involves the reinforcement of closer and closer approximations of a desired behavior. Each step must be mastered before moving on to the next, with the previous approximations undergoing extinction as new ones are reinforced. This approach is practical for both humans and animals, allowing complex behaviors to be taught in manageable steps.