What technique involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior?

The technique that involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior is known as shaping. This behavioral method is commonly used in various therapeutic contexts, including music therapy, to gradually guide an individual toward the attainment of a complex skill or behavior.

In shaping, the therapist reinforces increasingly closer approximations to the target behavior. For example, if a client is learning to play a musical instrument and the goal is to play a specific song, the therapist might first reinforce the client for simply producing any sound on the instrument, then for producing a particular note, and eventually for playing entire phrases of the song. This step-by-step approach helps individuals learn new skills more effectively by breaking them down into manageable segments.

The other options, while related to behavioral techniques, do not focus on this gradual reinforcement process. Extinction involves withholding reinforcement to reduce an undesired behavior. Modeling entails demonstrating a behavior for someone else to imitate. Punishment involves introducing a negative consequence to decrease unwanted behaviors. Thus, shaping is distinct in its focus on positive reinforcement of gradual progress toward a specific goal.