Which description best describes shaping across response topographies?

• A. Reinforcement of behaviors that are progressively more similar to the target in form.
• B. Reinforcement of errors that diverge from the target.
• C. Reinforcement of the final behavior only.
• D. Extinction of all intermediate steps.

Answer: (B)

Shaping across response topographies is about reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior, and those approximations can take different forms as long as each step moves closer to the goal in form. You start with a behavior that’s reasonably close to the target and reinforce it, then gradually require and reinforce new forms that better match the desired outcome, even if the exact shape of the response changes along the way. The emphasis is on guiding change over time by rewarding progress toward the target, not on rewarding mistakes or waiting for the final form to appear.

Reinforcing responses that diverge from the target would push behavior away from the goal. Focusing only on the final form ignores the gradual steps that actually build toward it. Extinguishing all intermediate steps would stop progress entirely and prevent any shaping from occurring.