A college student taking a composition class hears that the professor wants a topic for the paper in two weeks,followed by a bibliography in four weeks,then an outline in 6 weeks,a first draft in 8 weeks,and the final version in 12 weeks.These deadlines to reinforce behaviors that lead up to the completed paper best illustrate:
A) a variable-ratio schedule
B) stimulus substitution
C) cognitive theory
D) shaping

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sequence of deadlines is gradually shaping the behavior of the student, starting from choosing a topic and ending with a final version of the paper. This process is an example of shaping, which involves reinforcing successive approximations towards a desired behavior. The deadlines act as successive approximations towards the completion of the paper, with each deadline requiring a more advanced level of work. Therefore, D is the best choice. A variable-ratio schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule that involves providing reinforcements after a random number of responses. Stimulus substitution and cognitive theory are not applicable to this scenario.

A College Student Taking a Composition Class Hears That the Professor