At the National Zoological Park in Washington, D. C., a polar bear suffered a broken tooth and keepers needed a safe way of treating the problem. The bear was rewarded first for sticking its nose through a slot in the cage door, then for allowing a keeper to lift its lip and touch its teeth. Finally, a veterinarian was able to treat the damaged tooth while the bear waited placidly for its familiar reward. This is an example of ________.
A) negative reinforcement
B) secondary learning
C) learned helplessness
D) shaping

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of shaping, as the bear was gradually trained to allow keepers and veterinarians to touch its teeth and treat the problem in a safe manner. The reward system encouraged the desired behavior, showing positive reinforcement. There is no indication of negative reinforcement, learned helplessness or secondary learning in this scenario.