PSYC 154 Lecture 8: Chapter 9 notes- Shaping
Document Summary
Reinforce movement of behavior in right direction by reinforcing small improvements. Shaping- differential reinforcement of successive approximations of a target behavior. Differential reinforcement- reinforce one behavior and not others (reinforce correct and punish ones that bring person farther away from target behavior) Successive approximations- behaviors that are closer and closer to the target behavior. Don"t want regression (reverting to past behavior), so we don"t reinforce backwards behavior once person has already passed that stage. Can use extinction (by ignoring behavior) or punishment to keep person moving forward. To reinstate old behaviors that are not occurring. When instructions, modeling, and prompting are not applicable or not effective. Ex) working with autistic children or animals, when you can"t effectively communicate. Use instructions/modeling/prompting if easier: identify starting behavior. Person must already exhibit behavior to some degree. Choose a behavior you can build on to achieve target behavior: choose the shaping steps direction) Steps shouldn"t be too big: choose reinforcer.
