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🥸intro to psychology review

Partial Reinforcement

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Partial reinforcement is a type of reinforcement schedule in operant conditioning where a behavior is reinforced only some of the time, rather than every time the behavior is performed. This intermittent pattern of reinforcement can lead to more persistent and resistant behaviors compared to continuous reinforcement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Partial reinforcement can lead to a slower initial acquisition of a behavior compared to continuous reinforcement, but the behavior is more resistant to extinction once the reinforcement is removed.
  2. The partial reinforcement effect refers to the phenomenon where behaviors reinforced on a partial schedule are more persistent and less likely to be extinguished compared to behaviors reinforced continuously.
  3. Partial reinforcement schedules can be variable-ratio, variable-interval, fixed-ratio, or fixed-interval, depending on the pattern and timing of reinforcement delivery.
  4. Partial reinforcement can be effective in maintaining behaviors that are difficult to reinforce continuously, such as in the training of complex skills or behaviors in applied settings.
  5. The unpredictability of partial reinforcement can increase the motivational value of the reinforcer and lead to a higher rate of the desired behavior compared to continuous reinforcement.

Review Questions

  • Explain how partial reinforcement affects the acquisition and extinction of a behavior compared to continuous reinforcement.
    • Partial reinforcement leads to a slower initial acquisition of a behavior compared to continuous reinforcement, as the learner receives fewer reinforcements. However, once the behavior is learned, it becomes more resistant to extinction when the reinforcement is removed. This is known as the partial reinforcement effect, where the unpredictable nature of the reinforcement schedule creates a stronger, more persistent behavioral response.
  • Describe the different types of partial reinforcement schedules and how they may be used in applied settings.
    • Partial reinforcement schedules can take various forms, including variable-ratio, variable-interval, fixed-ratio, and fixed-interval. These schedules differ in the pattern and timing of reinforcement delivery. In applied settings, partial reinforcement can be effective in maintaining behaviors that are difficult to reinforce continuously, such as in the training of complex skills or behaviors. The unpredictability of partial reinforcement can increase the motivational value of the reinforcer and lead to a higher rate of the desired behavior compared to continuous reinforcement.
  • Analyze the role of partial reinforcement in the context of operant conditioning and its implications for learning and behavior modification.
    • Partial reinforcement is a crucial concept in operant conditioning, as it demonstrates how intermittent reinforcement can lead to more persistent and resistant behaviors compared to continuous reinforcement. The partial reinforcement effect has significant implications for learning and behavior modification, as it suggests that behaviors reinforced on a partial schedule may be more challenging to extinguish, but can also be more motivating and durable over time. Understanding the principles of partial reinforcement can inform the design of effective behavior modification programs, particularly in applied settings where the reinforcement of desired behaviors may be difficult to maintain consistently.