Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.Glen is attempting to use operant conditioning to train his dog, Thor, to fetch a ball upon command. At the beginning of the training, Glen throws the ball and yells “Fetch,” but Thor only watches Glen expectantly.Which of the following is the most likely reason to explain why Thor does not fetch the ball?

Fetching involves several actions, such as pursuing the ball, picking it up, and bringing it back. In operant conditioning, a complex behavior is typically taught by shaping: reinforcing small steps that gradually lead to the full behavior. Since Glen has only thrown the ball and given a command, Thor has not yet been shaped to fetch it. Choice B correctly identifies this; the scenario gives no reason to think Thor lacks the intelligence to learn or needs an example.

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