Which statement best describes continuous versus partial reinforcement?

• A. Partial Reinforcement — rewards vary by ratio or interval; Continuous Reinforcement — every correct behavior is rewarded
• B. Continuous Reinforcement — rewards vary by ratio or interval; Partial Reinforcement — every correct behavior is rewarded
• C. Continuous Reinforcement — based on punishment; Partial reinforcement — based on extinction
• D. Continuous Reinforcement — depends on environment; Partial reinforcement — never rewards

Answer: (B)

Reinforcement schedules in operant conditioning shape how learning and maintenance of a behavior occur. Continuous reinforcement rewards every correct response, so the behavior is learned quickly. Partial reinforcement rewards the behavior only some of the time, and it uses schedules based on ratio (after a certain number of responses) or interval (after a certain amount of time), with either fixed or variable timing. Because rewards aren’t guaranteed every time, acquisition tends to be slower, but the behavior is more resistant to extinction once learned. For example, giving a treat every time a dog sits leads to rapid learning, while rewarding after a random interval or after a variable number of sits makes the behavior persist longer when rewards stop.