Which process involves reinforcing responses that come closer to the target behavior?

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

Answer: (D)

Shaping is a process in operant conditioning where reinforcement is given for responses that get closer and closer to the desired target behavior. By rewarding successive approximations, you build a complex action step by step—from a small, initial behavior to the full, final behavior. For example, teaching a dog to roll over might start with rewarding lying down, then turning the head, then a partial roll, and finally the complete roll. This approach emphasizes gradual progress toward the goal, unlike extinction (removing reinforcement to reduce a behavior), generalization (responding to similar stimuli), or discrimination (responding differently to different stimuli).