PSYB45H3 Chapter 9: CHAPTER 9.docx
Document Summary
Shaping: is used to develop a target behaviour that a person doesn"t currently exhibit. Defined as the differential reinforcement of successive approximations of a target behaviour until the person exhibits the target behaviour. Differential reinforcement involves the basic principles of reinforcement and extinction. Occurs when one particular behaviour is reinforced and all other behaviours aren"t reinforced in a particular situation. As a result the behaviour that is reinforced increases and the other behaviours decrease through extinction b/c they aren"t being reinforced. When using shaping, timing is important deliver reinforcer at the exact instant that the correct approximation occurs otherwise you might accidentally reinforce the wrong behaviour. Used in medical rehabilitation centre to get patients to walk independently. Can be used to generate a new behaviour (language, dolphin tricks) Changing a dimension of an existing behaviour (time b/w urination for mrs. s)
