What is a key feature of shaping?

Shaping is a behavioral modification technique used in operant conditioning, where successive approximations of a desired behavior are reinforced progressively until the final desired behavior is achieved. This approach allows for gradual change and is instrumental in teaching complex behaviors that a subject may not perform naturally.

The correct answer highlights that shaping involves reinforcing behaviors that are closer and closer to the target behavior. For example, if training a dog to roll over, the trainer might first reinforce the dog for simply lying down, then for rolling onto its side, and eventually for completing the roll. This technique capitalizes on incremental learning and encourages the subject to explore various behaviors that approximate the goal, making it an effective method for skill acquisition.

In contrast, reinforcing only the final desired behavior immediately would not facilitate learning of the steps necessary to reach that behavior. Requiring only complete responses to be reinforced overlooks the importance of intermediate steps in the process of learning. Lastly, eliminating the need for reinforcement altogether goes against the fundamental principles of shaping, which rely on reinforcement to guide behavior change.