Final answer:
There are four tactics for programming operant behavior maintenance: reinforce similar responses, reinforce closer approximations, reinforce closer approximations again, and then reinforce only the desired behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operant conditioning is a form of learning in which behavior is modified through the use of reinforcement or punishment. To program operant behavior maintenance, there are four tactics that can be used:
- Reinforce any response that resembles the desired behavior: For example, if a child is learning to tie their shoes, reinforcing their attempts at tying the laces can help them improve.
- Reinforce responses that more closely resemble the desired behavior: This involves gradually increasing the criteria for reinforcement. Continuing with the shoe-tying example, once the child can tie their shoes with minimal assistance, reinforcement can be provided for tying the shoes independently.
- Reinforce closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior: This tactic involves reinforcing behaviors that are even closer to the desired behavior. For instance, if the child is consistently tying their shoes correctly, reinforcement can be provided for tying the shoes quickly and efficiently.
- Only reinforce the desired behavior: Once the desired behavior is consistently displayed, reinforcement is only provided for that behavior. In the shoe-tying example, reinforcement would only be given for tying the shoes correctly.