Which term describes a reinforcement pattern where behavior is rewarded or punished inconsistently?

Which term describes a reinforcement pattern where behavior is rewarded or punished inconsistently?

• A. Intermittent reward or punishment
• B. Continuous reinforcement
• C. Fixed-interval reinforcement
• D. Punishment Only

Answer: (A)

Intermittent reinforcement is when rewards or punishments are given on an irregular, unpredictable schedule rather than every time a behavior occurs. This pattern makes the behavior more resistant to extinction because the learner can’t predict exactly when reinforcement will come, so they continue the behavior in hopes of getting reinforced. If reinforcement happened every time, that would be continuous reinforcement, which quickly fades if reinforcement stops. A fixed-interval schedule provides reinforcement after a set amount of time, which is predictable. Punishment-only refers to using punishment without reinforcement, not the irregular delivery of consequences.

Intermittent reinforcement is when rewards or punishments are given on an irregular, unpredictable schedule rather than every time a behavior occurs. This pattern makes the behavior more resistant to extinction because the learner can’t predict exactly when reinforcement will come, so they continue the behavior in hopes of getting reinforced.

If reinforcement happened every time, that would be continuous reinforcement, which quickly fades if reinforcement stops. A fixed-interval schedule provides reinforcement after a set amount of time, which is predictable. Punishment-only refers to using punishment without reinforcement, not the irregular delivery of consequences.