ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a premium pass for a one time $4.99 payment

Question: 1 / 205

What term describes a reinforcement schedule in operant conditioning where a behavior is reinforced only occasionally?

Continuous Reinforcement

Fixed Ratio Reinforcement

Partial Reinforcement

The term that describes a reinforcement schedule in operant conditioning where a behavior is reinforced only occasionally is known as partial reinforcement. This schedule differs from continuous reinforcement, where every occurrence of a desired behavior is reinforced.

Partial reinforcement can take various forms, such as fixed-ratio or variable-ratio schedules, which reinforce behavior after a specific number of responses or after an unpredictable number of responses, respectively. This occasional reinforcement makes the behavior more resistant to extinction compared to continuous reinforcement, where the absence of reinforcement can lead to a quicker cessation of the behavior.

Understanding partial reinforcement is crucial for educators and psychologists, as it highlights the importance of using varied reinforcement schedules to encourage sustained behavior over time, making it particularly effective in various learning environments and behavioral modifications.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Variable Compensation

Next

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy