Question

Provide an example (not from the textbook or Internet) of shaping.

Answer 1

The process of establishing a behavior that is currently not learned or performed by an individual is referred to as Shaping. For example, if a teacher is trying to teach Peter to speak in front of the whole classroom. Peter is a shy kid, he wouldn’t be able to give a speech right away. Hence, instead of promising Peter some reward for giving a speech, rewards have been given to behaviors that come close. Like, giving him a reward when he stands in front of the class. Next, when he goes in front of the class and say hello. Then, when he can read a passage from a book. And, finally when he can give a speech. The whole point is for rewards to be successive and it’s not possible to retain rewards with previous responses. This is how the shaping of behavior can be done.