Shaping
Also called: successive approximations, differential reinforcement of successive approximations
Definition
Reinforcing successively closer approximations to a target response while no longer reinforcing earlier ones, so that a single response gradually changes form, force, duration, or accuracy until it matches the goal. It builds behavior that is not yet in the learner's repertoire at all.
In plain language
Rewarding tries that are a bit closer to the goal, then asking for a bit more. It builds something the person cannot do yet by improving one response over time.
Examples
A learner who makes any sound toward a word is reinforced at first, then only for sounds nearer the word, then only for the word.
Tolerating a haircut is built from sitting near the chair, then in it, then briefly.
Not shaping
Linking separate steps of a task into a routine, which is chaining rather than refining one response.
Reinforcing the finished skill only, and waiting for it to appear on its own. Without reinforcing approximations there is no shaping.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- baer-wolf-risley-1968
Written from standard instructional practice in applied behavior analysis. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.