A response is learned most rapidly and is most resistant to extinction if it is acquired under conditions of
A) continuous reinforcement followed by partial reinforcement.
B) primary reinforcement followed by secondary reinforcement.
C) partial reinforcement followed by continuous reinforcement.
D) secondary reinforcement followed by primary reinforcement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement involves providing reinforcement every time a behavior occurs, while partial reinforcement involves providing reinforcement only some of the time a behavior occurs. Research has shown that behaviors learned under a continuous reinforcement schedule are more rapidly acquired, but behaviors learned under a partial reinforcement schedule are more resistant to extinction (meaning the behavior persists even when reinforcement is no longer provided). In this question, the best answer is A, as it involves initial acquisition with continuous reinforcement followed by a shift to partial reinforcement, which would result in both rapid acquisition and resistance to extinction.

A Response Is Learned Most Rapidly and Is Most Resistant