Praxis Psychology Exam Prep

Answer: D - You train a puppy to push a lever that would release a snack by beginning reinforcement as soon as it walks toward the lever.
Key Takeaway: When using classical conditioning, behavior is shaped by beginning reinforcement when a subject makes the first step towards the goal. When the puppy is reinforced when it first begins walking towards the lever, it will repeat the behavior. As it moves towards the lever, more reinforcement is given. At this stage, the puppy is probably very close to the lever or has touched. Any contact with the lever is then reinforced. The puppy has now learned that it retraces its steps until it touches the lever, and this is the action that releases a snack.