4 Shaping New Skills Free Online FlashCards

What is shaping?

Shaping teaches a new behavior by reinforcing successive approximations that progressively resemble a clearly defined target.

What makes shaping a form of differential reinforcement?

Differential reinforcement means reinforcing some responses while not reinforcing others.

How does shaping differ from chaining?

Shaping builds one behavior through closer approximations; chaining teaches a sequence of distinct steps.

When is shaping useful?

Use shaping when the learner is unlikely to perform the complete target behavior without first learning smaller changes in a measurable feature of the response.

What should a target behavior definition specify?

Specify exactly what the learner will do and the conditions under which the response counts.

Why is “says ‘help’ aloud after a difficult task” clearer than “communicates clearly”?

“Communicates clearly” is vague; “says ‘help’ aloud after encountering a difficult task” describes an observable response and its condition.

What does a baseline establish before shaping begins?

A baseline shows what the learner already does, how often, and under what circumstances.

What should a starting approximation build on?

Whenever possible, choose a starting approximation that builds on a response already in the learner’s repertoire.

What four qualities should a shaping step have?

Each step should be observable, closer to the target, achievable, and adjustable based on progress.

How should the shaping criterion change with the learner’s progress?

If a step is too difficult, choose a smaller change; if the learner meets it reliably, move the criterion closer to the target.

How should reinforcement be delivered during shaping?

Choose a reinforcer that matters to the learner and deliver it promptly when the current approximation occurs.

What happens to reinforcement as an approximation becomes reliable?

As the response becomes reliable, reinforce a closer approximation and stop arranging reinforcement for the earlier approximation as the taught response.