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) positive punishment
B) shaping
C) negative reinforcement
D) secondary learning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The scenario describes a process of shaping, where the polar bear is gradually trained to allow its keeper and later its veterinarian to touch its teeth by rewarding it for incremental steps towards the desired behavior. Positive punishment, negative reinforcement, and secondary learning are not applicable in this scenario.