RBT guideCore RBT Concepts
RBT Shaping: Successive Approximations
Shaping reinforces closer approximations of a new behavior and withholds reinforcement for earlier ones. It is not a prompt hierarchy and not chaining a task analysis.
Short answer
Shaping is a Domain C procedure that reinforces successive approximations of a terminal behavior that is not yet in the client’s repertoire. Earlier approximations are no longer reinforced once a closer one occurs. It is not prompting (extra help on a trial), and it is not chaining (linking steps of a task analysis). Implement the approximations the plan lists.
Closer approximations, not extra help
Shaping reinforces successive approximations of a new behavior. It is not the same as prompting a full correct response on every trial. Name whether the plan is moving the response requirement or adding assistance. Prompting and fading is extra help that should disappear. Shaping changes which response earns reinforcement. Chaining links already-specified steps.
If the terminal behavior is “says cookie,” early approximations might be any vocalization, then a starting sound, then a closer word—only as the plan wrote. When the closer response appears, the earlier one is no longer reinforced. That withholding is part of shaping, not accidental meanness.
What the stem is asking
If the technician waits for a slightly better response and delivers the reinforcer only then, that is shaping.
If the technician physically guides the full response and then fades the guide, that is prompting.
If the technician teaches step 1, then 1–2, then 1–2–3 of a handwashing task analysis, that is chaining.
Original teaching sketch: A client who has never waved might first be reinforced for lifting a hand, then for lifting it toward a person, then for a full wave. Jumping to “do it perfectly or get nothing” on day one is not the written shaping plan.
These sketches are original.
Acquisition lists shaping among Domain C tasks. DTT versus naturalistic teaching can host shaping in either structure.
When shaping and prompting still swap, use stems that only change whether the response requirement moved.
Fidelity and data
Record the approximation the sheet defines, not “tried hard.” Do not skip a listed approximation because you are impatient. Do not keep reinforcing an old approximation after the plan moved on—that stalls the shape.
Ask the supervisor if the client is stuck. Do not invent a new terminal behavior.
The what-to-study guide keeps this inside Acquisition’s 19 items.
If approximation versus prompt is the miss, keep a shaping-only block.
Helping more is a prompt decision. Requiring a closer response is a shaping decision.
Then mix shaping items with prompting items so the two stay distinct under mixed Domain C practice.
Trust the source
Official sources
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