Jeff wants his dog to learn to fetch a stick. What technique should Jeff use to best reach his goal?
A. vicarious reinforcement
B. shaping
C. punish the dog whenever it does not fetch the stick
D. negative reinforcement
Answer (2)
Jeff should use shaping to teach his dog to fetch a stick, gradually reinforcing closer approximations of the desired behavior. This involves rewarding the dog for steps toward the goal of fetching. Positive reinforcement is key to building the desired behavior successfully.
;
The best technique Jeff can use to train his dog to fetch a stick is shaping (Option B).
Shaping is a behavioral technique used in training animals or people. It involves reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior until the complete behavior is achieved. Here’s how Jeff can use shaping to teach his dog to fetch:
Identify the final behavior : Jeff wants his dog to fetch a stick.
Break the behavior into small steps : Jeff can break down the fetching process into simple steps: approaching the stick, picking up the stick, bringing the stick back, and dropping it.
Reinforce each step : Each time the dog successfully performs one of these steps, Jeff should provide a reward. For example, he might give the dog a treat or verbal praise.
Gradually require more : After the dog consistently performs the first step, Jeff should only give rewards when the dog accomplishes the next step, and so on, until the entire behavior is formed.
By using shaping, Jeff will help his dog learn the complex behavior of fetching by rewarding small, achievable goals that lead to the final desired behavior.
