Intermittent Reinforcement

Intermittent reinforcement is a type of reinforcement schedule in which a behavior is not consistently rewarded. Instead, the reward is given only occasionally or unpredictably after the behavior occurs. This pattern of reinforcement has been found to be highly effective in promoting the persistence and resistance to extinction of the desired behavior.

Types of Intermittent Reinforcement:

  • Fixed Ratio (FR): In this schedule, reinforcement is provided after a fixed number of desired responses. For example, a rat might receive a food pellet after pressing a lever five times.
  • Variable Ratio (VR): In this schedule, reinforcement is provided after an average number of desired responses, but the exact number varies unpredictably. For instance, a slot machine pays out after an average of 10 pulls, but the actual payouts occur randomly.
  • Fixed Interval (FI): In this schedule, reinforcement is provided for the first desired response after a fixed amount of time has passed. An example would be an employee receiving a monthly bonus check.
  • Variable Interval (VI): In this schedule, reinforcement is provided for the first desired response after an average amount of time, but the exact timing is unpredictable. A good illustration is checking email for important messages, as they may arrive at any time.

Effects of Intermittent Reinforcement:

Intermittent reinforcement has a powerful influence on behavior for several reasons:

  1. Increased Persistence: When rewards are not guaranteed, individuals tend to continue engaging in the desired behavior for longer periods, as they perceive there is a chance for a reward to occur.
  2. Resistance to Extinction: Behaviors that have been reinforced intermittently are much more resistant to extinction than those that have been reinforced consistently, as individuals expect the possibility of reinforcement, even if it doesn’t always occur.
  3. Desire for Novelty: The unpredictability of intermittent reinforcement can create a sense of excitement and anticipation, making individuals more motivated to engage in the behavior in the hopes of receiving a reward.
  4. Reduced Satiation: Consistent reinforcement can lead to satiation, where individuals become less interested in the reward. However, intermittent reinforcement keeps the reward value high, increasing the motivation to continue the behavior.