when a behavior is being shaped, it is being
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The process of establishing a behavior that is not learned or performed by an individual at present is referred to as Shaping. Shaping can also be defined as the procedure that involves reinforcing behaviors that are closer to the target behavior, also known as successive approximations. The concept was first developed and used by B.F Skinner, who is known for his theories that involve learning behaviors through reinforcement.
The theory involves reinforcing behavior that are successively closer and closer to the approximations of the desired, or targeted, behavior. The process of shaping is vital because it’s not always likely that an organism should display the exact target behavior spontaneously. However, by reinforcing the behavior that is closer and closer to the desired behavior, the required behavior can be taught/learned. For instance, teaching new tricks to a dog, teaching a kid how to walk and the likes. The step by step procedure of reinforcing different behaviors until the ultimate behavior is achieved is called Successive Approximations.