Intermittent Reinforcement
Also called: INT, partial reinforcement
Definition
Any schedule in which only some occurrences of the response are reinforced. Behavior maintained intermittently is more resistant to extinction than behavior maintained continuously, which is why plans thin to intermittent schedules for maintenance — and why a problem behavior that sometimes works is so persistent.
In plain language
Only some of the behaviors are rewarded, not every one. This makes behavior last longer, for good behavior and for problem behavior alike.
Example
After a skill is learned, praise is delivered for about every fourth correct response instead of every one.
Not intermittent reinforcement
Reinforcing every correct response during the first teaching sessions. That is continuous reinforcement.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- ferster-skinner-1957
Written from Ferster and Skinner (1957). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.