PSY2606 ABA Lecture 10 Shaping

Introduction to Shaping

• Definition: Shaping is a procedure that enhances the frequency of desirable behavior.

• Reinforcement Context:

  • Requires the target behavior to be exhibited occasionally at baseline.

  • If the behavior is absent, alternative strategies must be employed to initiate the behavior.

  • Shaping is one of these alternative strategies.

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

Defining Shaping

• Key Concept: Reinforcement of successive approximations towards a target behavior.

• Illustration: Example of mimicking sounds represented by categorical terms (e.g., "FUD") as a demonstration of shaping.

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

Principles of Shaping

• Involved Principles:

  • Reinforcement: Encouraging closer behavior approximations.

  • Extinction: Withholding reinforcement for unwanted or non-target behaviors.

• Goal: Improve communications by utilizing these principles.

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

Examples of Shaping

• Applications:

  • Language development.

  • Training animals (e.g., getting a rat to press a lever).

  • Rehabilitation practices.

  • Regulating voice volume.

  • Modifying self-injurious behavior.

  • Source: O’Neill & Gardner (1983), Jackson & Wallace (1974), Schaeffer (1970).

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

Shaping Problem Behaviors

• Contexts of Problem Behaviors:

  • Child tantrums or disruptive actions.

  • Parent interactions (yelling/nagging).

  • Attention-seeking behaviors (showing off).

  • Pets (dog begging for food).

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

Steps for Using Shaping

1. Define the Target Behavior: Clear and concise definition.

2. Assess Shaping Suitability: Determine if shaping is the best method or if alternatives like instructions/modeling/prompting are better.

3. Identify the Starting Behavior:

   • Must be an existing behavior to build on.

4. Choose Shaping Steps:

   • Define steps leading closer to the target behavior.

   • Ensure steps are manageable and not overly ambitious.

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

Continuation on Using Shaping

5. Choose the Reinforcer:

   • Must serve effectively as a reinforcer for the individual doing the behavior.

   • Pay attention to satiation effects; conditioned reinforcers preferred.

6. Reinforce Each Successive Approximation:

   • Start with the first approximation until consistent.

   • Transition reinforcement to the next approximation as it becomes stable.

7. Adjust Pace Appropriately:

   • Move through the shaping process sensibly based on progress.

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

Limitations of Shaping

• Challenges:

  • Time-consuming process.

  • Progress may not be linear, leading to potential frustration.

  • Risk of misapplication.

  • Risk of shaping harmful behaviors.

  • Necessitates consistent monitoring of behavior.

• Presenter: Roberta Farrugia Debono (2021)

• Additional Source: Lisa Hendry Dillon, www.appliedbehavioranalysis.com