Asked by claudia corrales on May 25, 2024
Verified
At the National Zoological Park in Washington, D. C., a polar bear suffered a broken tooth and keepers needed a safe way of treating the problem. The bear was rewarded first for sticking its nose through a slot in the cage door, then for allowing a keeper to lift its lip and touch its teeth. Finally, a veterinarian was able to treat the damaged tooth while the bear waited placidly for its familiar reward. This is an example of ________.
A) negative reinforcement
B) secondary learning
C) learned helplessness
D) shaping
Shaping
A technique in behavioral psychology involving the successive reinforcement of behaviors that approximate the desired behavior.
Negative Reinforcement
A process in learning whereby the likelihood of a behavior is increased by removing or avoiding a negative outcome or stimuli.
Secondary Learning
Learning that builds on previously acquired knowledge, skills, or understanding, often involving the application of basic concepts to new situations.
- Explain the process of shaping and its importance in acquiring intricate behaviors.
Verified Answer
AB
Amouri BrooksMay 29, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
This is an example of shaping, as the bear was gradually trained to allow keepers and veterinarians to touch its teeth and treat the problem in a safe manner. The reward system encouraged the desired behavior, showing positive reinforcement. There is no indication of negative reinforcement, learned helplessness or secondary learning in this scenario.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the process of shaping and its importance in acquiring intricate behaviors.