Build a skill in small steps
See how reinforcing successive approximations can support a new action.
The picture in words
- Starting point
- Begin with a response already available.
- Successive approximations
- Reinforce actions increasingly close to the target.
- Target action
- The criterion advances as the learner progresses.
Reading the illustration
Compare the action selected at each step. The reinforcement criterion moves progressively closer to pressing the key.
Try a question
Why does the reinforced action change across the sequence?
Show the explanation
Each step moves the criterion toward the target response. Reinforcing closer approximations supports progress from an available action.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/6-3-operant-conditioningSelected rendered passages: Four-cell definitions, reinforcement/punishment, shaping; schedule definitions.