Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
Asked 2 months ago · Viewed 16 times
Under B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, 'Shaping' is defined as the technique of successive approximations where, instead of expecting a complex, novel, or desired behavior all at once, small gradual steps moving toward the target behavior are continuously reinforced. Regarding the psychological implications of shaping for acquiring complex skills, positive behavior modification, and achieving instructional objectives in the classroom, which of the following statements is most scientifically valid?
✓ Correct! Well done.
✗ Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted above.
Detailed Explanation
Understanding Shaping in Operant Conditioning
Under B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, Shaping is a central concept based on the technique of Successive Approximations.
When a complex behavior cannot be learned all at once, the instructor identifies small steps moving toward the final goal and provides reinforcement for every correct approximation, eventually establishing the complex desired behavior.
- Option A is incorrect because shaping is used for complex behaviors, not just innate reflexes.
- Option B is correct as it accurately defines shaping via successive approximations and reinforcement.
- Option C is incorrect because shaping relies primarily on positive reinforcement, not punishment.
- Option D is incorrect because behavioral shaping principles have broad applications in shaping behavior alongside cognitive dimensions.
Next question →
Under B. F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, a highly significant and…
← Previous question
Under B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, a…
Related Questions
→
Among the primary laws of learning propounded by Edward Thorndike, the 'Law of Effect' emphasizes that satisfying outcomes strengthen a response and dissatisfying outcomes weaken it. While critically examining this law from a psychological and theoretical standpoint in the context of B.F. Skinner's 'Operant Conditioning' and Ivan Pavlov's 'Classical Conditioning', which of the following statements is most analytically correct?
→
Who was the primary proponent of the 'Reinforcement Theory' of learning?
→
In which learning theory is 'reinforcement' considered the basis of learning?
→
When conducting an in-depth psychological analysis of the primary laws of Edward Thorndike's 'Trial and Error Theory'—specifically the 'Law of Use and Disuse' and the 'Law of Effect'—which of the following statements most accurately demonstrates its fundamental distinction from B.F. Skinner's 'Operant Conditioning' and Ivan Pavlov's 'Classical Conditioning'?
→
Which of the following psychological statements is most authentic and scientifically valid regarding the real psychological implications of 'Shaping'—a central concept under B. F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory defined as the behavioral technique of successive approximation where a complex desired terminal behavior is gradually molded by continuously reinforcing intermediate steps moving toward the goal—and its scientific management for complex skill acquisition, step-by-step learning, and positive reinforcement in classroom teaching?
→
Under B. F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, a highly significant and central concept is 'Shaping', which is defined as the complex psychological method of successive approximation whereby an organism or student is unable to display a complex desired final new behavior all at once. Instead, small and progressive steps leading toward the final goal are gradually molded and trained by providing positive reinforcement for every small attempt made in the correct direction. Regarding the real psychological implications of shaping and its scientific management for complex skill acquisition, step-by-step behavior modification, and the learning curve in classroom teaching, which of the following psychological statements is most authentic and scientifically valid?
→
Which of the following psychological statements is most authentic and scientifically valid regarding the true psychological implications of 'Shaping'—a central concept under B. F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory defined as the technique of successive approximations through which a desired complex terminal behavior is established by providing reinforcement in small, sequential steps—in relation to the development of complex skills, positive behavior modification, and scientific management of disciplined learning among students in classroom instruction?
→
Under B. F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, a highly significant and central concept is 'Shaping', which is defined as the method of successive approximations through which a complex or novel desired behavior is gradually molded or developed by providing reinforcement to small, incremental steps leading toward the ultimate goal, rather than expecting the behavior to be displayed all at once. Regarding the true psychological implications and scientific management of new skill acquisition, complex behavior modification, and positive reinforcement for students in classroom teaching, which of the following psychological statements is most authentic and scientifically valid?
Log in
to add to quiz, bookmark, or report issues.