Even though Nicholas's handwriting was not very good, the teacher complimented him because the writing was better than in his previous attempts. The teacher is using a procedure called
A) shaping.
B) successive discrimination.
C) sequential learning.
D) the Skinner method.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping is a procedure used in behavior modification where small steps are taken towards a desired behavior or outcome, and each successive step is rewarded or reinforced. In this scenario, Nicholas's handwriting is not perfect, but the teacher recognizes that it has improved from his previous attempts and compliments him for it. This is an example of shaping as the teacher is reinforcing Nicholas's behavior of trying to improve his handwriting. The other options (successive discrimination, sequential learning, and the Skinner method) do not accurately describe the procedure used by the teacher in this scenario.

Even Though Nicholas's Handwriting Was Not Very Good, the Teacher