Final answer:
The statement is generally true; dough ready for shaping will usually spring back when touched, indicating that it has proofed enough. However, there are other factors to consider, such as the dough's size and texture.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: If dough is ready for shaping, it will spring back when touched. This statement is generally true. When you are working with dough, especially in bread making, one of the ways to test if the dough has been sufficiently proofed and is ready for shaping into loaves or other forms is to gently press it with your finger. If the dough is ready, it should be elastic and resilient, which means it should spring back slowly but leave a slight indentation. If it springs back immediately, the dough may need more time to rise. If it does not spring back at all, the dough may be over-proofed.
Remember that the 'poke test' is just one sign of readiness and it's important to also consider factors like the dough's size (it should be about double), gas bubbles on the surface, and overall texture. Bread making is as much an art as it is a science; experience and feeling can also guide you in addition to this test.