Continuous reinforcement is a schedule in which a desired behavior is reinforced every time it is performed. This approach is the fastest method for teaching a new behavior, as the consistent and immediate reward helps the subject quickly form a strong association between the action and its positive consequence. Because of its effectiveness in the initial stages of learning, it is a highly recommended strategy for training a new behavior.

Continuous Reinforcement

In a variable interval reinforcement schedule, reinforcement is delivered after unpredictable and varying periods of time have passed. Because the timing of the reward is not known, this schedule tends to produce a steady and consistent rate of response.

Variable Interval Reinforcement Schedule

In a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, a reward is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule is highly effective at maintaining behavior due to the uncertainty of reinforcement, which encourages a high, steady rate of response. It is considered the most powerful type of partial reinforcement, making behaviors extremely persistent and resistant to extinction, even during long periods without reward. This persistence is because the occasional reinforcement makes it very difficult to stop the behavior, as seen in examples like gambling or a child's tantrums when a parent occasionally gives in.

Variable Ratio Reinforcement Schedule

Once a behavior has been learned, trainers often switch to a partial reinforcement schedule, also known as intermittent reinforcement. Under this schedule, the desired behavior is not reinforced every single time it is performed; instead, the reward is delivered only some of the time.

Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement

In a fixed interval reinforcement schedule, a reward is given for a desired behavior only after a specific, unvarying amount of time has passed. Any instances of the behavior that occur before the interval is over are not reinforced. This schedule is considered the least productive in terms of response rate and is the easiest to extinguish, as the behavior tends to cease quickly if the reinforcement is not delivered at the expected time.

Fixed Interval Reinforcement Schedule

In a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule, a reward is delivered only after a predetermined number of responses have been made. This schedule is particularly effective at producing a high rate of response because the reinforcement is directly tied to the quantity of the behavior performed.

Fixed Ratio Reinforcement Schedule

The effects of different reinforcement schedules can be visualized on a graph plotting the cumulative number of responses against time. On such a graph, ratio schedules (Variable and Fixed) exhibit steep slopes, indicating high response rates, while interval schedules (Variable and Fixed) show more moderate slopes. Variable schedules produce steady, relatively straight response lines. In contrast, fixed schedules create distinct patterns: the fixed ratio schedule is marked by a brief pause after each reinforcement before responding resumes at a high rate, creating a 'stair-step' pattern. The fixed interval schedule produces a 'scalloped' curve, where the response rate is low immediately after reinforcement and gradually increases as the next reinforcement time approaches.

Graphical Representation of Reinforcement Schedules

A coffee shop has a loyalty program where a customer receives a free drink after purchasing nine drinks. This is an example of which type of reinforcement schedule?

- Continuous reinforcement
- Partial reinforcement
- Fixed interval
- Variable interval
- Fixed ratio
- Variable ratio

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Refers to the application of a consequence to strengthen or increase the likelihood of a specific behavior. In addition, reinforcement can be positive or negative. Both positive and negative reinforcement increase the likelihood of a specific behavioral response.

Reinforcement

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Types of Reinforcement Schedules

Types of reinforcers to increase certain behaviors include:
- Primary Reinforcers
- Secondary Reinforcers

Types of Reinforcers

In operant conditioning, negative reinforcement is a method used to increase the likelihood of a behavior by removing an undesirable or aversive stimulus after the desired behavior is performed. The removal of the negative stimulus serves as a reward, strengthening the behavior that led to its removal.

Negative Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement refers to when a favorable stimulus is added to increase the chance of a desired behavior occurring. 

Positive Reinforcement

For reinforcement to be effective, the timing of the consequence is critical. The reinforcer should be presented immediately following the target behavior. This prompt delivery helps the subject establish a clear and strong association between their specific action and the subsequent reward, which is essential for strengthening the learning process. For instance, when training a dog to sit, the treat should be given the moment the dog sits.

Immediacy of Reinforcement

A child dislikes doing their chores. To encourage them, their parent says that if the child completes all their chores for the week, they will not have to do their least favorite chore (taking out the trash) the following week. The child begins to complete their chores more consistently. This is an example of:

Reinforcers are rewards used to strengthen learning and behavior. For animals, food is an obvious reinforcer (e.g., rewarding a rat with food for pressing a lever). For humans, common reinforcers include stickers, praise, money, and toys.

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