Concepts · Domain G
Shaping vs. chaining
The difference in short
Shaping and chaining build behavior differently. Shaping is the differential reinforcement of successive approximations: it builds or adjusts one behavior, and each earlier approximation stops being reinforced. Chaining links a sequence of distinct behaviors in a fixed order: each step's result reinforces it and signals the next.
Quick comparison
| Shaping | Chaining | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Differentially reinforces successive approximations to a target behavior or one of its dimensions | Links distinct behaviors in sequence; each response's result signals the next |
| Effect | One behavior being refined | Several steps joined in order |
| Example | Reinforcing sounds that get closer and closer to “mama”. | Teaching handwashing step by step. |
How to tell them apart
- Are you building or adjusting ONE behavior through approximations (shaping) or LINKING distinct steps in sequence (chaining)?
Examples
Shaping
Reinforcing sounds that get closer and closer to “mama”.
Chaining
Teaching handwashing step by step.
Frequently asked
Is toothbrushing taught with shaping or chaining?
With chaining: it's a sequence of distinct steps (grab the brush, add paste, brush…) taught and linked in order from a task analysis.
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