How is intermittent reinforcement defined?

Intermittent reinforcement is defined as the process in which a behavior is reinforced occasionally rather than every time it occurs. This form of reinforcement creates a variable schedule of rewards, which can lead to behaviors being maintained longer than if they were reinforced consistently. The unpredictability of the reinforcement can make the behavior more resilient and resistant to extinction, as the individual remains motivated by the possibility of receiving a reward even when it is not guaranteed. In many practical settings, such as in behavior modification or animal training, intermittent reinforcement can strengthen the desired behavior more effectively than continuous reinforcement.