Topics 10-12 Flashcards
Shaping, Chaining, Token Economy
Define shaping
reinforcement of successive approximations of a target behaviour
What 2 principles are involved in shaping?
reinforcement
extinction
What are the steps of shaping? (6)
- Define target behaviour
- Identify the starting behaviour (must be an already existing behaviour)
- Choose the shaping steps
- Choose the reinforcer
- Reinforce each successive approximation
- Continue reinforcing until the target behaviour occurs
What are some limitations of shaping? (3)
- progress isn’t always linear
- harmful behaviour can be shaped
- requires consistent monitoring
When is chaining used?
when a situation calls for complex behaviour that have multiple responses
Explain backward and forward chaining (2)
Backward - teach the last SR component in the chain first
Forward - teach the first SR component first
What are the steps used in chaining? (5)
- Present the S^D
- Verbal and physical prompt
- Praise / reinforcers
- Fade prompts
- Move on to the next SR component
What does a token economy involve?
the systematic use of conditioned reinforcers called tokens to increase desirable behaviours
How does a token economy work? (4 steps)
- Individual has 0 tokens and no access to desired items/activities
- Individual exhibits the desired behaviours
- Individual is provided tokens for the behaviour
- Individual exchanges tokens for access to desirable items/activities
What are the 7 elements of a token economy?
- target behaviours
- type of tokens
- backup reinforcers
- reinforcement schedule
- exchange criterion
- time/place for exchange
- response cost (optional)
What is a response cost in a token economy?
a penalty or fine where tokens are taken away for inappropriate behaviours
What are some advantages of token economies? (3)
- reinforcement can occur immediately
- highly structured
- tokens are generalized and conditioned reinforcers
