Which term describes reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior?

• A. Shaping
• B. Differential reinforcement
• C. Response differentiation
• D. Chaining

Answer: (A)

Shaping is the process of reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior. You start with a behavior the learner already does that’s close to the goal, and you reinforce that. Then you reinforce a slightly closer step, and continue this pattern, gradually requiring responses that are more like the target behavior until the full behavior is shown. This approach often begins with continuous reinforcement to establish each small step and then moves to intermittent reinforcement to maintain the skill.

Differential reinforcement is about reinforcing some responses while not reinforcing others, which can help shape behavior but isn’t defined by the progressive steps toward a new target. Chaining involves linking a sequence of distinct behaviors, not refining a single behavior through approximations. Response differentiation (discrimination training) focuses on distinguishing between cues to respond differently, rather than building up toward a new skill through gradual steps.

So, reinforcing successive approximations toward the target behavior best captures the described process.