ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

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

1. Continuous Reinforcement

2. Fixed Ratio Reinforcement

3. Partial Reinforcement

4. Variable Compensation

The correct answer is: 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.