Which term describes a behavior change produced by differential reinforcement, leading to the emergence of a new response class?

Which term describes a behavior change produced by differential reinforcement, leading to the emergence of a new response class?

• A. SHAPING
• B. RULE GOVERNED BEHAVIOR
• C. RESPONSE DIFFERENTIATION
• D. SPONTANEOUS RECOVERY

Answer: (C)

Response differentiation is the process by which differential reinforcement causes behaviors to become more distinct from one another, eventually forming a new, recognizable response class. When one response topography is reinforced (or reinforced more frequently) while others are not, the learner’s behaviors begin to diverge, and a previously underrepresented or unseen form becomes a stable, distinct class. Shaping also uses differential reinforcement to build new behaviors, but it focuses on gradually approaching a target through successive approximations, whereas the emphasis here is on the emergence of a new response class as a result of differential reinforcement. Rule governed behavior centers on following verbal or written rules, and spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of a previously extinguished behavior after a break.

Response differentiation is the process by which differential reinforcement causes behaviors to become more distinct from one another, eventually forming a new, recognizable response class. When one response topography is reinforced (or reinforced more frequently) while others are not, the learner’s behaviors begin to diverge, and a previously underrepresented or unseen form becomes a stable, distinct class. Shaping also uses differential reinforcement to build new behaviors, but it focuses on gradually approaching a target through successive approximations, whereas the emphasis here is on the emergence of a new response class as a result of differential reinforcement. Rule governed behavior centers on following verbal or written rules, and spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of a previously extinguished behavior after a break.