Steps in Shaping

• Select the target behavior.

• Obtain baseline data.

• Select potential reinforcers.

• Reinforce successive approximations for the

target behavior each time they occur.

• Reinforce the newly established target

behavior each time it occurs.

• Reinforce the target behavior on a variable

reinforcement schedule

Schedules of Reinforcement

 Fixed ratio schedule (FR)

– Reinforcement occurs after a specific number of responses

• Variable ratio schedule (VR)

– Reinforcement occurs after a random number of responses

• Fixed interval schedule (FI)

– Reinforcement occurs after a specific amount of time

• Variable interval schedule (VI)

– Reinforcement occurs after a random amount of time

• Variable ratio schedule (VR)

• Fixed interval schedule (FI)

• Variable interval schedule (VI)

Information Processing Theory: Assumptions

1. Info processed in steps/stages

2. Limits to amt of info processed at each stage

3. Human Info processing system is interactive

Information Processing:

1. Info processed in Stages

1. steps/stages

– attending to a stimulus

– recognizing it

– transforming it into a mental representation

– comparing it with material in memory

– assigning meaning to it

– acting on it in some fashion

Information Processing Theory

 2

2. Limit on amt of info learned at each stage

– Absolute amount of learning appears limitless

– Acquisition of knowledge must be gradual

Information Processing Theory

3

human info processing system is

interactive.

– Perception influenced by stored info

– Stored info is influenced by perception/

attention