Which technique involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior?

The correct answer is Shaping because it is a behavioral technique used to train a novel behavior by systematically rewarding small steps that come closer and closer to the ultimate target goal.

• Step 1 (Understanding Shaping): In operant conditioning, shaping is used when the desired behavior does not occur naturally. The teacher or practitioner starts by reinforcing a behavior the student can already do that vaguely resembles the target, and then gradually raises the bar, only rewarding actions that are closer approximations of the final goal.


• Step 2 (Practical Example): If a student struggles to write a full paragraph, a teacher might practice shaping by first praising the student for writing a single sentence, then a few days later only praising them for writing two sentences, until the full paragraph is achieved.


• Incorrect Options:
  
  
  
  • Chaining is incorrect because it involves linking a sequence of distinct, separate behaviors together in a specific order to perform a complex task (like the multi-step process of washing hands).
  
  
  • Fading is incorrect because it refers to the gradual removal of prompts or assistance as the student masters a behavior, allowing them to perform it independently.
  
  
  • Extinction is incorrect because it is the process of stopping reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, eventually causing that behavior to decrease or disappear entirely.