An animal trainer is trying to teach a lion to perform tricks for circus. First the lion is given food if he sits quietly on a chair. Next the lion is given food if he raises one paw. Finally the lion is given even more food if he gives the trainer a "high-five". In this example, the lion is being trained by ________.
A)negative reinforcement
B)generalisation
C)punishment
D)shaping

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lion is being trained through shaping, which involves reinforcing behaviors that are closer and closer to the desired behavior until the desired behavior is displayed. The trainer starts with rewarding the lion for sitting quietly, then raises one paw, and finally giving a "high-five." This is a form of positive reinforcement, as the lion is being rewarded for displaying the desired behavior. Generalization and punishment are not relevant to this scenario.

An Animal Trainer Is Trying to Teach a Lion to Perform