A girl in your classroom rarely interacts with her classmates. She is obviously quite lonely but apparently has no confidence in her ability to make friends. Using a behaviorist perspective, describe how you might help the girl develop social skills through shaping. In your discussion, be sure to include:
a. The specific behavior(s) you would shape
b. A specific reinforcer you might use, as well as a justification for your choice
c. The sequence of steps you might take as you shape the desired behavior
Answers to the separate parts of the question are as follows:
a. One or more social behaviors (e.g., carrying on a conversation, smiling at others, initiating interaction with a classmate, etc.) should be shaped.
b. Because the girl appears to be lonely, some form of social reinforcer (praise, attention, etc.) may be appropriate. Or perhaps, if the girl really wants to make friends, positive feedback regarding appropriate social behavior might be sufficient.
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