ABA Shaping and Reinforcement Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is shaping in ABA?

The process of systematically and differentially reinforcing successive approximations to a terminal behavior (correct)

Punishing unwanted behaviors

Reinforcing a single behavior

Ignoring all behaviors

What is the definition of differential reinforcement?

A procedure in which reinforcement is provided for responses that share a predetermined dimension or quality, and in which reinforcement is withheld for responses that do not demonstrate that quality.

Provide an example of differential reinforcement.

When a parent only complies with a child's request if the child includes phrases such as 'please' or 'may I'.

What is response differentiation?

Emergence of a new response class through the application of consistent differential reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of response differentiation.

Shaping the behavior of a preschooler wearing glasses by first reinforcing touching of the glasses, followed by picking up the glasses, followed by placing glasses on face. Signup and view all the answers

What are successive approximations?

Gradually changing criterion for reinforcement during shaping resulting in a succession of new response classes. Signup and view all the answers

It is important to reinforce successive approximations because it reduces the probability of a rare response.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is clicker training?

A science-based system for shaping behavior using positive reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

How does clicker training work?

Reinforcement is paired with the sound of a clicker so that the sound becomes a conditioned reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

What is terminal behavior?

The end product of shaping. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of differential reinforcement?

Responses similar to those that have been reinforced occur with greater frequency, while responses resembling unreinforced members are emitted less frequently. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shaping and Reinforcement Concepts

Shaping: A method involving systematic reinforcement to guide a behavior towards a desired endpoint by reinforcing successive approximations.
Differential Reinforcement: A procedure that rewards behaviors displaying specific characteristics while withholding rewards for other behaviors lacking those traits.

Examples and Applications

Differential Reinforcement Example: Parents reinforce polite requests by only fulfilling demands that include terms like "please" or "may I."
Response Differentiation: Occurs when a new class of responses arises through consistent use of differential reinforcement.

Practical Examples

Response Differentiation Example: Reinforces a preschooler’s behavior in sequential steps, starting with touching glasses, progressing to picking them up, and finally placing them on the face.
Successive Approximations: The gradual adjustment of reinforcement criteria during shaping leads to the development of a series of new behaviors.

Importance of Approximations

Reinforcing successive approximations is crucial as it significantly increases the likelihood of a rare response occurring within a shorter timeframe.

Clicker Training

Clicker Training Definition: Utilizes a science-based approach to behavior shaping featuring positive reinforcement techniques.
Clicker Training Mechanism: Involves pairing the sound of a clicker with reinforcement, enabling the click sound to become a conditioned reinforcer.

Terminal Behavior and Effects

Terminal Behavior: Refers to the ultimate outcome achieved through the shaping process.
Effects of Differential Reinforcement: Increases the frequency of reinforced behaviors while reducing the occurrence of unreinforced behaviors, leading to overall response differentiation.

Description

Test your knowledge on the concepts of shaping and differential reinforcement in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of these essential principles by defining key terms and procedures essential to ABA practices.