Question

A mute mental patient is first given a token each time he or she says a word. Next, tokens are given for speaking a complete sentence. Later, the patient is gradually required to speak more often, then to answer questions, and eventually to carry on a short conversation in order to receive tokens. This gradual improvement of the patient's communication skills is an example of:

a. shaping.
b. reciprocal inhibition.
c. classical conditioning.
d. systematic desensitization.

Answer 1

The gradual improvement of the patient's communication skills through rewarding successive approximations of speech is an example of shaping in operant conditioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gradual improvement of the patient's communication skills, where they are rewarded for speaking more often and eventually carrying on a short conversation, is an example of shaping. Shaping is a technique used in operant conditioning, where successive approximations of a target behavior are rewarded. In this case, the patient is rewarded for gradually increasing their verbal communication skills.

Shaping is often used in teaching complex behaviors or chains of behaviors, and it is commonly used by animal trainers as well. It involves breaking down behaviors into smaller, achievable steps and rewarding the organism for each step towards the target behavior.

Through shaping, the patient learns to respond differently to stimuli and gradually improves their communication skills over time.