A problem behavior will be more resistant to extinction when the behavior has been maintained on a(an)____________ reinforcement schedule.
A) intermittent
B) continuous
C) concurrent
D) negative

Question

A problem behavior will be more resistant to extinction when the behavior has been maintained on a(an)____________ reinforcement schedule.​
A) ​intermittent
B) ​continuous
C) ​concurrent
D) ​negative

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intermittent (or partial) reinforcement involves providing reinforcement only sometimes or intermittently after a behavior is exhibited. This type of reinforcement schedule tends to result in more persistent behavior because the individual is never quite sure when reinforcement will be given, making them continue to engage in the behavior even when it is not reinforced immediately. In contrast, continuous reinforcement (B) is when a behavior is reinforced every time it is exhibited, which tends to make the behavior easier to extinguish because the individual learns that the behavior is only reinforced in certain circumstances. Concurrent reinforcement (C) involves providing reinforcement for two or more different behaviors or responses, and negative reinforcement (D) involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being exhibited again.

A Problem Behavior Will Be More Resistant to Extinction When