Small steps in behavior that are reinforced, one after the other, to create a particular goal behavior are known as

• A. successive reinforcers.
• B. successive approximations.
• C. discriminative stimuli.
• D. secondary reinforcers.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'successive approximations' in the context of operant conditioning, which is a method used in behavior modification.
2. Recognize that 'successive approximations' refers to the process of reinforcing behaviors that are incrementally closer to the desired behavior.
3. Differentiate between 'successive approximations' and other terms such as 'successive reinforcers', which is not a standard term in psychology.
4. Identify that 'discriminative stimuli' are cues that signal the availability of reinforcement, not the gradual steps towards a behavior.
5. Clarify that 'secondary reinforcers' are stimuli that acquire their reinforcing power through association with primary reinforcers, and are not related to the step-by-step process of shaping behavior.