Schedule Thinning
Also called: thinning reinforcement, fading reinforcement
Definition
Gradually reducing how often a behavior is reinforced — from every response toward an intermittent schedule closer to what the natural environment provides — while keeping the behavior going. Thinning too fast produces ratio strain and a collapse in responding; the pace is set by the data.
In plain language
Slowly giving rewards less often once a skill is learned, so it keeps going without constant rewards. Going too fast makes the behavior fall apart.
Example
Praise for every correct answer, then every second, then about every fourth, over several weeks.
Not schedule thinning
Dropping from every answer to every tenth answer in one day. The behavior collapses, which is ratio strain.
See also
Written from
- ferster-skinner-1957
Written from Ferster and Skinner (1957) and maintenance practice. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.