Shaping
Definition
Shaping is a method in operant conditioning where complex behaviors are learned by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior. This technique involves rewarding closer and closer actions to the target behavior until the individual performs it accurately.
Example
When teaching a dog to roll over, you start by rewarding the dog for lying down. then you provide reinforcement when it moves into a slight roll, gradually increasing the expectation until the dog can perform a full roll-over. Each small step is reinforced, guiding the dog toward the final behavior.
Why It Matters
Shaping matters because it efficiently teaches complex behaviors by breaking them into manageable steps. Instead of waiting for an exact action to occur, shaping uses reinforcement to build up desired behaviors incrementally. This method is widely applicable in areas like animal training, education, and skill development, making learning more effective and achievable.