Which method is recommended for effectively maintaining learned behaviors?

Using schedules of reinforcement is a recommended method for effectively maintaining learned behaviors because it provides a structured approach to delivering reinforcement at various intervals or ratios. This strategy helps to create a stronger association between the desired behavior and the reinforcement, ensuring that the individual remains motivated to continue exhibiting that behavior over time.

Different schedules—such as fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, and variable-interval—can be tailored to the needs of the individual, often leading to increased persistence in behavior. By implementing reinforcement schedules, the individual does not become overly reliant on immediate rewards, which can promote long-term behavior retention.

In contrast, introducing random reinforcement may lead to inconsistency, causing confusion about what behaviors are being reinforced. Minimizing the use of any reinforcement could result in a lack of motivation to engage in the learned behavior, while teaching behaviors only in isolation does not provide opportunities for generalization and application in real-world contexts. Therefore, utilizing schedules of reinforcement offers a well-rounded and effective strategy for maintaining learned behaviors.