Which term describes reinforcement delivered inconsistently rather than after every response?

• A. Negative reinforcement
• B. Primary reinforcement
• C. Intermittent reinforcement
• D. Continuous reinforcement

Answer: (C)

Intermittent reinforcement is the idea behind reinforcement being delivered inconsistently rather than after every response. This means rewards come on a partial schedule—after some responses or after variable intervals—rather than every time the behavior occurs. This pattern often makes learning slower to start than continuous reinforcement, but it also creates greater resistance to extinction and more persistent responding because the learner can’t predict when the next reward will come. The other terms don’t fit: continuous reinforcement means rewarding after every correct response; negative reinforcement is about removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior; primary reinforcement refers to biologically important rewards (like food or water) rather than the timing of reinforcement.