What does continuous reinforcement entail?

Continuous reinforcement involves providing reinforcement every time the desired behavior occurs. This method is particularly effective in the early stages of learning new behaviors, as it helps establish a clear connection between the behavior and the result of that behavior—namely, the reinforcement. By consistently reinforcing the behavior, learners are more likely to repeat the behavior, as they quickly understand that their actions yield a specific reward reliably. This approach enhances the likelihood of the behavior being learned and solidified in the participant's repertoire.

The other options describe different reinforcement schedules. For example, rewarding behavior only after some occurrences refers to a partial reinforcement schedule, where reinforcement is not offered every time the behavior is demonstrated. Offering reinforcement periodically suggests an intermittent reinforcement schedule, which can lead to behaviors that are more resistant to extinction but may result in a slower learning process initially. Finally, using fixed intervals for rewards indicates a specific type of intermittent reinforcement where rewards are given at set time intervals, which differs from the immediate and total reinforcement provided by continuous reinforcement.