4.1.4 – (Properties of reinforcement, including primary and secondary reinforcement and) schedules of reinforcement.
Continuous reinforcement – a behaviour is reinforced every time it occurs
Partial reinforcement – a behaviour is reinforced sometimes, but not every time it occurs.
Schedules of partial reinforcement
Fixed | Variable | |
Interval | First instance of behaviour is rewarded after a set period of time. |
First instance of behaviour is rewarded after a set period of time, but the set period changes every time. |
Ratio | Behaviour is reinforced after a specified number of times shown. |
Behaviour is reinforced after a set number of times, but this number of times changes every time. |