Shaping Procedure
Reinforcing behaviors that are closer to the target behavior, also known as successive
approximations.
At first, any approximation of the skill is reinforced. Example – writing the letter A
This attempt is reinforced and
set as the best approximation
of writing the letter A.
Later on we are able to get them closer to writing the letter A
This behavior is closer to a letter A
than the previous attempt, so this
behavior receives a bigger reinforcer
than the previous approximation.
If the learner attempts to go back to previous approximation, they will not receive reinforcement.
No reinforcement since it is not
the patient’s best
approximation.
After continued work on the skill, the patient is able to write the letter A correctly.
Only behavior that will receive
reinforcement now
This behavior would now be considered mastered (assuming they are able to perform at this level
consistently) so now only correctly writing the letter A will receive reinforcement.
With each successive approximation getting closer to the end goal, the reinforcement will
continue to increase along with the approximations. Always saving the biggest reinforcer for
engaging in the desired end goal.