shaping

(noun)

A method of positive reinforcement of behavior patterns in operant conditioning.

Related Terms

Examples of shaping in the following topics:

  • Shaping

  • Shape

  • Shape

    • The shape of an object is a description of space that the object takes up; the shape can change if the object is deformed.
    • Most shapes occurring in the physical world are complex.
    • Having the same shape is an equivalence relation, and accordingly a precise mathematical definition of the notion of shape can be given as being an equivalence class of subsets of a Euclidean space having the same shape.
    • Shapes of physical objects are equal if the subsets of space these objects occupy satisfy the definition above.
    • In particular, the shape does not depend on the size and placement in space of the object.

  • Shape and Volume

    • Shape refers to an area in two-dimensional space that is defined by edges.
    • Shapes can be created by placing two different textures, or shape-groups, next to each other, thereby creating an enclosed area, such as a painting of an object floating in water.
    • "Positive space" refers to the space of the defined shape, or figure.
    • Form is a concept that is related to shape.
    • Combining two or more shapes can create a three-dimensional shape.

  • The Shape or Contour of a Melody

    • Such a line gives the contour or shape of the melodic line.
    • You can also describe the shape of a melody verbally.
    • For example, you can speak of a "rising melody" or of an "arch-shaped" phrase.
    • Please see The Shape of a Melody for children's activities covering melodic contour.
    • Arch shapes (in which the melody rises and then falls) are easy to find in many melodies.

  • Shaping

    • Shaping is a method of operant conditioning by which successive approximations of a target behavior are reinforced.
    • In his operant-conditioning experiments, Skinner often used an approach called shaping.
    • Shaping is useful because it is often unlikely that an organism will display anything but the simplest of behaviors spontaneously.
    • In shaping, behaviors are broken down into many small, achievable steps.
    • Shaping is also a useful technique in human learning.

  • Shapes of Sampling Distributions

    • The overall shape of a sampling distribution is expected to be symmetric and approximately normal.
    • The "shape of a distribution" refers to the shape of a probability distribution.
    • The shape of a distribution is sometimes characterized by the behaviors of the tails (as in a long or short tail).
    • As previously mentioned, the overall shape of a sampling distribution is expected to be symmetric and approximately normal.
    • Give examples of the various shapes a sampling distribution can take on

  • Volumes

    • Volumes of complicated shapes can be calculated using integral calculus if a formula exists for the shape's boundary.
    • Three dimensional mathematical shapes are also assigned volumes.
    • Volumes of some simple shapes, such as regular, straight-edged, and circular shapes can be easily calculated using arithmetic formulas.
    • The volumes of more complicated shapes can be calculated using integral calculus if a formula exists for the shape's boundary.
    • Calculate the volume of a shape by using the triple integral of the constant function 1

  • Viral Size

    • The amount and arrangement of the proteins and nucleic acid of viruses determine their size and shape.
    • The protein and nucleic acid constituents have properties unique for each class of virus; when assembled, they determine the size and shape of the virus for that specific class.
    • Any determination of the size of a virus also must take into account its shape, since different classes of viruses have distinctive shapes.
    • The larger and more-complex bacteriophages contain double-stranded DNA as their genetic information and combine both filamentous and polygonal shapes.
    • The classic T4 bacteriophage is composed of a polygonal head, which contains the DNA genome, and a special-function rod-shaped tail of long fibres.

  • Phases of Matter

    • A solid is in a state of matter that maintains a fixed volume and shape.
    • A liquid maintains a fixed volume, but its shape will mold to the shape of the container it is being held in.
    • Matter in the plasma state has variable volume and shape.
    • Liquids maintain a fixed volume, but their shape will mold to the shape of the container they are being held in.
    • Solids are in a state of matter that maintains a fixed volume and shape.