What is the definition of "intermittent reinforcement"?

Intermittent reinforcement refers to a reinforcement schedule in which only some instances of a desired behavior are reinforced, rather than reinforcing every occurrence. This approach can lead to a more durable pattern of behavior because the unpredictability of the reinforcement may encourage the behavior to be repeated more consistently over time.

For example, in learning contexts, if a student receives praise or rewards only after some of their correct responses or behaviors, they may continue to engage in those behaviors with the expectation that reinforcement will come at some point, even if not every time. This method is effective in maintaining behavior over the long term and can be particularly useful in contexts such as training animals or teaching new skills.

This concept stands in contrast to continuous reinforcement, which involves giving a reward every time the desired behavior occurs, and is generally less effective for sustaining behavior over time as it may lead to rapid extinction once the reinforcement stops. The other options provided do not capture the essential aspect of intermittent reinforcement, focusing instead on definitions that relate to frequency reduction or overall reinforcement strategies, without specifying the intermittent nature itself.