How would you apply the method of successive approximation to train a dog to walk in a circle?
In the initial experiments of Skinner on conditioning which is operant, the behavior of operant is a plain behavior which a lab mouse will be normal to display gradually in the series of discovering its environment.
Therefore, the probability is more that such kind of behavior would take place, thinking that the analyst has enough patience. It is clear, that humans and animals explain several complicated behaviors of operant having much low possibility of taking place in regular series of events.
Skinner used the approximation of succession or shaping. He guided a pigeon how to peck at a particular point in the cage in a very lesser time. The possibility that pigeon will peck on its own at the accurate spot was less.
Initially, food was the reinforcement for pigeon, when it hardly moved towards the assigned spot. Then, reward was withheld till the bird made some actions, though slight, in the direction of the spot.
The, the pigeon was reinforced for those actions only which led it nearer to the spot. Next, the bird received reinforcement when it upshot its head in the direction of the spot. Lastly, the bird was rewarded when it finally was able to touch the point.
The procedure of the experiment itself demonstrated the approximation which was successive. The individual is reinforced since behavior shown by it becomes successive or comes in stages which are consecutive to proximate the concluding behavior wanted.