In operant conditioning, which term best describes the process of rewarding successive approximations of a target behavior?

• A. Discrimination
• B. Extinction
• C. Shaping
• D. Generalization

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms in operant conditioning: Discrimination, Extinction, Shaping, and Generalization.
2. Discrimination refers to the ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond only to the specific one associated with reinforcement.
3. Extinction is the process where a previously reinforced behavior decreases when reinforcement is no longer provided.
4. Generalization occurs when a behavior spreads to similar stimuli beyond the original conditioned stimulus.
5. Shaping is the process of reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior, gradually guiding the subject toward the desired behavior.