What is the result of a continuous reinforcement schedule?

A continuous reinforcement schedule involves providing reinforcement every time a desired behavior occurs. This approach is particularly effective for establishing new behaviors because it leads to a strong association between the behavior and the reinforcement. It ensures that the individual quickly learns that their actions consistently yield rewards, which bolsters the likelihood of the behavior being repeated in the future.

When a behavior is reinforced continuously, individuals are more likely to maintain that behavior because the reinforcement is immediate and predictable. This consistent reinforcement builds confidence in the behavior and encourages further engagement with it. Continuous reinforcement is often utilized during the initial stages of learning to ensure that the target behavior is acquired effectively.

While there can be concerns with the potential for extinction when reinforcement is removed, such outcomes are more pronounced in behaviors reinforced intermittently. A continuous reinforcement schedule typically allows for a more stable establishment of behavior before transitioning to less frequent reinforcement, which mitigates the risk of rapid extinction.