Question

In teaching her son to play basketball, Mrs. Richards initially reinforces him with praise for simply dribbling while standing still, then only for walking while dribbling, and finally only for running while dribbling. She is using a procedure known as:

A) generalization.
B) partial reinforcement.
C) spontaneous recovery.
D) shaping.

Answer 1

D) shaping.

Step-by-step explanation:

Shaping: This is one of the techniques used in behavior modification and is implemented by the behaviorist B. F Skinner while testing the operant conditioning principles. It is also known as successive approximations method.

Shaping in psychology is defined as a method of behavior modification in which reinforcement is given for the completion of the desired target behavior. Shaping plays a vital role in commercial animal training.

Example: An autistic child can be taught of new behavior through shaping technique.