Final answer:
The strategy that helps a child learn a new behavior more quickly is shaping the behavior by rewarding small steps toward the desired behavior. This technique, stemming from operant conditioning, involves providing reinforcement for successive approximations of the target behavior. The correct option is c) Shaping the behavior by rewarding small steps toward the desired behavior
Step-by-step explanation:
When introducing a new behavior, the strategy that helps a child learn the new behavior more quickly is shaping the behavior by rewarding small steps toward the desired behavior. In operant conditioning, pioneered by B.F. Skinner, shaping is a technique where successive approximations of the target behavior are reinforced.
This process involves reinforcing a behavior that resembles the desired behavior, then gradually requiring closer approximations of the target behavior before providing the reinforcement.
This approach is considered more effective because it provides continuous motivation and acknowledges incremental progress toward the full desired behavior.
Let's consider an example of shaping with a child learning to clean their room. Initially, parents might reward the child for cleaning one toy, and then progressively for cleaning more items, until the child is eventually cleaning the entire room.
This method supports the child throughout the learning phase and reinforces positive progress, which can be far more motivating and encouraging than punishment or withholding rewards until perfection. The correct option is c) Shaping the behavior by rewarding small steps toward the desired behavior