What characterizes delayed reinforcement?

Delayed reinforcement is characterized by the occurrence of a reward or reinforcing stimulus after a certain period following a specific behavior. This delay can vary in length, but crucially, it implies that there is a time interval between the desired behavior and the reinforcement that follows it.

The effectiveness of delayed reinforcement can depend on several factors, such as the nature of the behavior being reinforced and the individual's ability to connect the behavior with the reward, despite the time lag. In many learning scenarios, delayed reinforcement can still effectively strengthen behavior if the individual understands the link between their actions and the eventual reward.

Immediate reinforcement, conversely, occurs right after the behavior, which is not what defines delayed reinforcement. Similarly, reinforcement that is never provided, or reinforcement that happens before a behavior also do not align with the concept of delayed reinforcement, as they do not involve a subsequent reward after the action has taken place. This distinct timing aspect is what primarily defines delayed reinforcement.