What does continuous reinforcement mean?

Continuous reinforcement refers to a schedule of reinforcement in which a specific behavior is reinforced every time it occurs. This approach is particularly beneficial for establishing new behaviors, as it provides immediate feedback to the individual regarding the correct performance of the behavior. The consistent reinforcement helps to strengthen the association between the behavior and the positive outcome, making it more likely that the behavior will be repeated in the future.

This method is widely used in early stages of learning new skills or behaviors because it creates a clear and direct connection between the behavior and the reinforcement, which is crucial for effectively shaping the desired actions. As the individual becomes more proficient in the behavior, reinforcement schedules can shift to partial reinforcement, which helps maintain the behavior over time by making the reinforcement less predictable.