Marla conducts a study to gradually teach a poodle to jump through a flaming hoop. At each session, Marla introduces a more stringent set of guidelines before reinforcing the poodle. Which one of the following designs would be most appropriate for this study?
A) changing-criterion design
B) A-B-A-B design
C) multiple-baseline design
D) interaction design

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A changing-criterion design is appropriate for this study because Marla is gradually increasing the criteria for reinforcement as the poodle improves its ability to jump through the hoop. This design is characterized by the systematic and gradual adjustment of a criterion for reinforcement, allowing the study to determine if changes in behavior are the result of the criterion change or some other factor. In this study, Marla can establish a criterion for reinforcement (e.g., the height of the hoop, the distance between the hoop and the dog, etc.) and gradually increase it over time to shape the poodle's behavior.

Marla Conducts a Study to Gradually Teach a Poodle to Jump