Which term describes gradually altering the demand placed on a learner during shaping?

• A. Differential reinforcement
• B. Fading
• C. Chaining
• D. Shaping

Answer: (D)

Shaping is the process of gradually increasing the demand placed on a learner as you reinforce successive approximations to a target behavior. Each step reinforces a behavior that is closer to the final skill, so the criterion gets tougher over time. This staged approach lets you build complex abilities that the learner can’t perform in one leap. For example, when teaching a new word, you might start by rewarding any vocalization, then only reward closer sounds, and gradually require more accurate articulation until the full word is produced.

Differential reinforcement focuses on reinforcing some responses while withholding reinforcement for others, which helps reduce undesired behavior but isn’t about the incremental demand progression inherent in shaping. Fading is about gradually removing prompts or cues, not about increasing the difficulty of the response. Chaining involves linking a sequence of behaviors into a longer routine, rather than progressively refining a single target behavior through approximations.