The partial reinforcement effect refers to the fact that a response that is reinforced after some, but not all, correct responses ________.
A) will be more resistant to extinction than a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response)
B) will be less resistant to extinction than a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response)
C) will be more variable in its resistance to extinction than a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response)
D) will be totally resistant to extinction, unlike a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response)

Question

The partial reinforcement effect refers to the fact that a response that is reinforced after some, but not all, correct responses ________.
A) will be more resistant to extinction than a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response) 
B) will be less resistant to extinction than a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response) 
C) will be more variable in its resistance to extinction than a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response)
D) will be totally resistant to extinction, unlike a response that receives continuous reinforcement (a reinforcer for each and every correct response)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The partial reinforcement effect refers to the fact that a response that is reinforced after some, but not all, correct responses will be more resistant to extinction than a response that receives continuous reinforcement. This is because in partial reinforcement, the subject does not know when the reinforcement will occur and therefore, keeps responding in the hope of getting the reinforcement. In contrast, with continuous reinforcement, the subject learns that the reinforcement will always follow a correct response and stops responding when it is no longer reinforced. Therefore, partial reinforcement creates a stronger response-reinforcement association, making it more resistant to extinction.

The Partial Reinforcement Effect Refers to the Fact That a Response