What schedule of reinforcement is used when a teacher reinforces every correct response during the initial teaching phase?

What schedule of reinforcement is used when a teacher reinforces every correct response during the initial teaching phase?

• A. Continuous schedule of reinforcement
• B. Intermittent schedule of reinforcement
• C. Timed schedule of reinforcement
• D. Fixed schedule of reinforcement

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is a continuous schedule of reinforcement, which is characterized by providing reinforcement every time a desired behavior is exhibited. This method is particularly effective during the initial phases of teaching or skill acquisition because it helps to establish a strong association between the behavior and the reinforcement. By reinforcing every correct response, learners quickly understand which behaviors are expected and desirable. This immediate feedback is essential for skill development, as it encourages repeated practice and builds confidence, paving the way for more advanced learning. In contrast, intermittent schedules of reinforcement involve providing reinforcement only after some responses have been made, which is more suitable for maintaining behavior over the long term rather than establishing new ones. Timed schedules of reinforcement refer to providing reinforcement at specific time intervals, not necessarily linked to any behavior, and fixed schedules imply a set number of responses needed for reinforcement, rather than reinforcing all correct responses initially. Thus, these approaches are less effective for promoting initial learning compared to a continuous schedule.

The correct answer is a continuous schedule of reinforcement, which is characterized by providing reinforcement every time a desired behavior is exhibited. This method is particularly effective during the initial phases of teaching or skill acquisition because it helps to establish a strong association between the behavior and the reinforcement. By reinforcing every correct response, learners quickly understand which behaviors are expected and desirable. This immediate feedback is essential for skill development, as it encourages repeated practice and builds confidence, paving the way for more advanced learning.

In contrast, intermittent schedules of reinforcement involve providing reinforcement only after some responses have been made, which is more suitable for maintaining behavior over the long term rather than establishing new ones. Timed schedules of reinforcement refer to providing reinforcement at specific time intervals, not necessarily linked to any behavior, and fixed schedules imply a set number of responses needed for reinforcement, rather than reinforcing all correct responses initially. Thus, these approaches are less effective for promoting initial learning compared to a continuous schedule.