In operant conditioning, which of the following best describes continuous reinforcement?

• A. Reinforcement is given after unpredictable time intervals.
• B. A response is reinforced every time it occurs.
• C. A response is reinforced only some of the time.
• D. Reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of operant conditioning, which involves learning through consequences, where behaviors are influenced by reinforcements or punishments.
2. Step 2: Define continuous reinforcement as a schedule where a behavior is reinforced every single time it occurs, meaning the reinforcement follows each response without exception.
3. Step 3: Compare continuous reinforcement to other reinforcement schedules, such as partial (intermittent) reinforcement, where reinforcement is given only some of the time, or based on time intervals or number of responses.
4. Step 4: Recognize that reinforcement given after unpredictable time intervals corresponds to a variable interval schedule, not continuous reinforcement.
5. Step 5: Conclude that continuous reinforcement is best described by the statement: 'A response is reinforced every time it occurs,' because this ensures consistent reinforcement following each behavior.