What makes shaping such a useful technique in behavior modification is that it
A)relies on instinctive behaviors
B)produces behavior changes that are permanent
C)can be used to produce behaviors the learner has never displayed before
D)does not require the use of reinforcement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shaping is a technique in which small steps are reinforced in order to teach a new behavior. It is particularly useful because it can be used to produce behaviors that the learner has never displayed before, which is why C is the correct answer. shaping does require reinforcement, so D is incorrect. Shaping typically produces behavior changes that are not necessarily permanent because reinforcement needs to continue for the behavior to be maintained. Therefore, B is incorrect. While shaping can rely on instinctive behaviors, this is not a defining characteristic of the technique, so A is not the best choice.

What Makes Shaping Such a Useful Technique in Behavior Modification