Shaping a behavior in operant conditioning refers to
A) ignoring everything but the desired behavior.
B) punishing everything except the desired behavior.
C) rewarding successive approximations to the desired behavior.
D) rewarding any behavior that comes close to the desired behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping a behavior in operant conditioning involves rewarding successive approximations to the desired behavior. This means that instead of waiting for the desired behavior to occur, any behavior that comes close to the desired behavior is rewarded, and then gradually the rewards are given only for behaviors that are closer and closer to the desired behavior until the desired behavior is fully shaped. Ignoring or punishing everything except the desired behavior (options A and B) are not effective strategies in shaping a behavior in operant conditioning. Rewarding any behavior that comes close to the desired behavior (option D) may lead to confusion for the individual being conditioned, as they may not be aware which behavior is actually being rewarded.

Shaping a Behavior in Operant Conditioning Refers to