Questions: Melissa wants to teach her dog Rex to stand on his hind legs Select one answer. using the principles of shaping. However, currently her dog 10 points Rex does not stand on his hind legs. Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of shaping? A. In order to use shaping, Melissa must start by reinforcing Rex for doing behaviors such standing still on four legs before moving onto reinforcing the dog for standing on his hind legs B. Melissa should not use shaping in this case because dogs can't stand on their hind legs C. If the dog doesn't stand on its hind legs, Melissa should punish it D. In order to get Rex to stand on his hind legs you must start by reinforcing that behavior

The answer is the first one (A): In order to use shaping, Melissa must start by reinforcing Rex for doing behaviors such as standing still on four legs before moving onto reinforcing the dog for standing on his hind legs.

Explanation for each option:

A. This option is correct. Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. Melissa should start by reinforcing behaviors that are closer to the final desired behavior, such as standing still on four legs, and gradually reinforce behaviors that are more similar to standing on hind legs.

B. This option is incorrect. Dogs can be trained to stand on their hind legs using shaping, as it involves gradually reinforcing behaviors that lead to the desired outcome.

C. This option is incorrect. Punishment is not a part of the shaping process. Shaping relies on positive reinforcement to encourage the desired behavior.

D. This option is incorrect. If Rex does not already stand on his hind legs, Melissa cannot start by reinforcing that behavior. She must begin with reinforcing simpler behaviors that lead up to the final behavior.

In summary, shaping is a gradual process that involves reinforcing behaviors that are progressively closer to the desired behavior, making option A the correct choice.