Shaping works by?

Shaping works by?

• A. Reinforcing one response but withholding reinforcement for the non-designated response
• B. Providing reinforcement for all responses
• C. Reinforcing only the final target
• D. Withholding reinforcement after every attempt

Answer: (A)

Shaping uses reinforcement of successive approximations toward a target behavior. The idea is to reinforce the specific response variant that moves the learner closer to the desired behavior, while not reinforcing responses that don’t progress toward the target. This differential reinforcement guides the learner step by step until the full behavior is formed. The option describes exactly that: reinforcing one designated response and withholding reinforcement for other, non-designated responses. It captures how shaping selects a particular path toward the goal and strengthens it. Reinforcing all responses would blur the path toward a specific target, making shaping ineffective. Reinforcing only the final target skips the gradual steps needed to build the behavior. Withholding reinforcement after every attempt would suppress responding rather than build toward the target.

Shaping uses reinforcement of successive approximations toward a target behavior. The idea is to reinforce the specific response variant that moves the learner closer to the desired behavior, while not reinforcing responses that don’t progress toward the target. This differential reinforcement guides the learner step by step until the full behavior is formed.

The option describes exactly that: reinforcing one designated response and withholding reinforcement for other, non-designated responses. It captures how shaping selects a particular path toward the goal and strengthens it.

Reinforcing all responses would blur the path toward a specific target, making shaping ineffective. Reinforcing only the final target skips the gradual steps needed to build the behavior. Withholding reinforcement after every attempt would suppress responding rather than build toward the target.