What does shaping refer to in the context of behavior modification?

Shaping refers specifically to the process of reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior. In behavior modification, this technique involves gradually training an individual to perform a complex behavior by rewarding them for closer and closer approximations to the target behavior. For example, if the goal is to teach a dog to roll over, the trainer might first reward the dog for lying down, then for turning its head, and eventually for completing the full roll. This systematic reinforcement encourages the individual to learn new behaviors in a step-by-step manner rather than expecting them to perform the entire complex behavior all at once.

The other choices involve different concepts within behavioral psychology. The application of punishment refers to decreasing behaviors rather than reinforcing them, immediate rewards pertain to reinforcement schedules rather than shaping, and extinguishing a conditioned response relates to the process of weakening a learned response rather than building new behaviors through reinforcement. Thus, shaping is unique in its focus on gradual training through reinforcement of approximated behaviors.