autoshaping (C1)
noun
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːtəʊʃeɪpɪŋ/
Definition
A learning process in which a behavior is automatically reinforced by a stimulus that consistently precedes the presentation of a reward, often used in behavioral psychology experiments.
Examples
The autoshaping procedure involved presenting a light stimulus before delivering food to the animal.
Autoshaping is a key concept in understanding how animals learn to associate stimuli with rewards.
How to Use autoshaping
- autoshaping procedure (noun phrase)
- a method of teaching a behavior using autoshaping — "The researcher used an autoshaping procedure to teach the animal to press a lever."
- autoshaping technique (noun phrase)
- a method of using autoshaping to study learning and conditioning — "The autoshaping technique was used to study the acquisition of new behaviors in rats."
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