Successive Reinforcements and Shaping in Behavior Modification

Successive reinforcements resulting in the desired behavior are known as shaping in behavior modification. Shaping is a technique used to gradually and systematically reinforce behaviors that are closer and closer to the desired behavior, until the desired behavior is achieved. This technique is commonly used in various settings, including education, parenting, and therapy.

Process of Shaping

The process of shaping involves the following steps:

1. Identifying the desired behavior: The first step in shaping is to clearly identify the behavior that you want to reinforce. This behavior should be specific and measurable, so that progress can be easily tracked.

2. Breaking down the behavior: Once the desired behavior is identified, it is important to break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This allows for gradual reinforcement and ensures that the individual can succeed at each step along the way.

3. Reinforcing successive approximations: After breaking down the behavior, the next step is to reinforce each successive approximation of the desired behavior. This means that any behavior that is even slightly closer to the desired behavior is reinforced. For example, if the desired behavior is a child saying "please" when requesting something, the first step might be reinforcing the child saying "p" or making any attempt to say the word.

4. Gradually increasing the requirements: As the individual becomes more proficient at each step, the requirements for reinforcement are gradually increased. This means that the individual must meet a higher standard or display a more accurate approximation of the desired behavior in order to receive reinforcement.

5. Reinforcing the final behavior: Eventually, after reinforcing each successive approximation, the individual will display the desired behavior. At this point, the final behavior is reinforced consistently and reinforcement for the previous steps is gradually faded out.

Importance of Shaping

Shaping is an important technique in behavior modification as it allows for the reinforcement of behaviors that may not yet be present in an individual's repertoire. It helps individuals learn new skills and behaviors in a gradual and systematic manner, increasing the likelihood of success. Shaping also helps to break down complex behaviors into manageable steps, making them easier to learn and reinforce.

In conclusion, successive reinforcements resulting in the desired behavior are known as shaping in behavior modification. Shaping is a process that involves breaking down the behavior, reinforcing each successive approximation, and gradually increasing the requirements until the desired behavior is achieved. This technique is important for teaching new behaviors and skills in a systematic and effective manner.