What term describes behaviors that gradually resemble the target behavior through a process of shaping?

The term that describes behaviors that gradually resemble the target behavior through a process of shaping is "successive approximations." This concept is a fundamental principle in behavioral therapy and learning, referring to the small, incremental steps taken towards achieving a desired behavior. In this context, shaping involves reinforcing closer and closer approximations of the target behavior until the full behavior is exhibited.

For example, if the target behavior is to have a child speak a complete sentence, successive approximations would start with reinforcing the child for making any vocal sounds, then for uttering one word, and subsequently for stringing together two words, and so on, until the desired sentence is formed. This process emphasizes the gradual nature of learning and behavior modification.

The other terms can be related to behavior but do not specifically pertain to the gradual process of shaping. Hierarchical modeling refers more to structured learning in stages rather than gradual approximations. Behavioral milestones indicate key achievements in development but do not focus on the shaping process. Conditioned responses stem from classical conditioning rather than the operant conditioning framework used in shaping behaviors.