Which describes intermittent (partial) reinforcement?

• A. A reinforcement schedule where all correct responses are rewarded
• B. A reinforcement schedule based on time elapsed
• C. A reinforcement schedule in which some, but not all, correct responses are rewarded
• D. A reinforcement schedule where rewards are given only after a fixed number of responses

Answer: (C)

Intermittent reinforcement means rewarding the behavior only some of the time, not after every correct response. That’s exactly what this option describes: some, but not all, correct responses are rewarded. It captures the essence of partial reinforcement, where rewards are not guaranteed each time, which helps explain why learning can be more resistant to extinction.

For context, continuous reinforcement—rewarding every correct response—produces rapid learning but a quicker drop-off when rewards stop. Interval-based schedules reward based on time elapsed, and a fixed-ratio schedule rewards after a set number of responses; neither defines intermittent reinforcement as its central idea.