ABA Glossary

By Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA
Edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D
ABA Glossary by Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA, edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D

Shaping

A strategy for teaching novel behaviors using successive approximations to a terminal response, which are differentially reinforced until the client is able to differentiate the terminal response from the successive approximations.

Hint: When looking at test questions about shaping, always look for three components: successive approximations, reinforcement and extinction. Gradually reinforce successive approximations leading to the target outcome. Place on extinction all the previous approximations, until finally only the desired target receives reinforcement and the approximations do not. 

5th Edition Task List

G-7  Use shaping.

6th Edition TCO

G.11 Shape dimensions of behavior.

Related Content

  • Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear. Refer to the 6th Edition Test Content Outline Domain G.11: Shape dimensions of behavior; and Domain G.12: Select and implement chaining procedures.Dana Do's: Clearing Up the Confusion Over Shaping and Chaining
    Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear.
  • Successive approximations
    The gradual and progressive changes in criteria during a shaping procedure, with each change being closer in form to the desired terminal response.
  • Shaping across response topographies
    A shaping method in which each successive approximation varies in form from the other approximations and the ultimate terminal response.
  • Shaping within response topographies
    A shaping method in which the response form of each successive approximation remains the same, but some other measurable dimension is being trained.
  • Response differentiation
    The emergence of the target novel behavior produced by differential reinforcement, during a shaping procedure, in which the reinforced members of the desired response class occur more often and the…
  • Can can a changing criterion design be used to evaluate shaping programs? Well, PTB founder Dana Meller says, it depends.Dana Do's: Can Changing Criterion Design be Used to Evaluate Shaping Programs?
    Can can a changing criterion design be used to evaluate shaping programs? Well, PTB founder Dana Meller says, it depends.
  • Defining Features of ShapingShaping Success: Understanding the Procedure and its Dynamic Duo
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller explores the procedure of shaping, discussing the two key features that define its effectiveness. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-7: Use shaping.
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the two types of shaping procedures, one of which teaches novel behaviors and the other improves existing behaviors. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-7: Use shaping.ABA Terminology ➠ The Dynamic Duo of Behavior Transformation via Shaping Procedures
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the two types of shaping procedures, one of which teaches novel behaviors and the other improves existing behaviors. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-7: Use shaping.
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