What characterizes partial reinforcement?

What characterizes partial reinforcement?

• A. Behavior is extinguished quickly
• B. Responses are rewarded frequently
• C. It is easier to establish a response
• D. It is harder to extinguish the response when rewarded occasionally

Answer: (D)

Partial reinforcement is characterized by the idea that a behavior is reinforced only some of the time, rather than continuously. This method of reinforcement leads to a greater resistance to extinction compared to continuous reinforcement because the unpredictability of rewards keeps the individual's behavior more persistent. When rewards are given sporadically, individuals are more likely to continue the behavior, hoping to receive the reinforcement that may come at any moment. In terms of the other options, behaviors reinforced continuously tend to be extinguished quickly when the reinforcement stops, responses that are rewarded frequently diminish the likelihood of persistence due to the regularity of reinforcement, and establishing a response tends to be easier with continuous reinforcement where the connection between behavior and reward is clear. In the case of partial reinforcement, the unpredictability can complicate the association between behavior and reward, leading to a more resilient behavior pattern, hence making it harder to extinguish when rewards are given intermittently.

Partial reinforcement is characterized by the idea that a behavior is reinforced only some of the time, rather than continuously. This method of reinforcement leads to a greater resistance to extinction compared to continuous reinforcement because the unpredictability of rewards keeps the individual's behavior more persistent. When rewards are given sporadically, individuals are more likely to continue the behavior, hoping to receive the reinforcement that may come at any moment.

In terms of the other options, behaviors reinforced continuously tend to be extinguished quickly when the reinforcement stops, responses that are rewarded frequently diminish the likelihood of persistence due to the regularity of reinforcement, and establishing a response tends to be easier with continuous reinforcement where the connection between behavior and reward is clear. In the case of partial reinforcement, the unpredictability can complicate the association between behavior and reward, leading to a more resilient behavior pattern, hence making it harder to extinguish when rewards are given intermittently.