What does shaping primarily target in behavior training?

Shaping primarily targets the development of skills through gradual progression. In behavioral training, shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior. Instead of waiting for the complete behavior to be displayed, the process acknowledges and rewards smaller steps or approximations that move closer to the final goal. This method is particularly effective when teaching complex behaviors that cannot be learned in one single step.

By gradually reinforcing behaviors that exhibit the qualities of the desired skill, individuals are encouraged to refine their actions over time. This approach fosters a learning environment where successes, no matter how small, are celebrated, thus motivating learners to engage and improving their abilities progressively.