When applying reinforcement with children, what is recommended?

• A. Move From Continuous to Intermittent Reinforcement
• B. Continuous Reinforcement Only
• C. No Reinforcement at All
• D. Punishment

Answer: (A)

Reinforcement schedules start strong and then fade to keep the learned behavior durable. Begin by reinforcing every correct instance so the child quickly links the action with a reward, making the behavior easier to learn. Once the behavior is reliably happening, shift to intermittent reinforcement, where rewards are given only sometimes. This maintains the behavior with less reinforcement, helps prevent the child from becoming dependent on constant rewards, and makes the behavior more resistant to extinction, so it continues across settings and over time.

Why not the other options? Reinforcing all the time is great for initial learning but tends to weaken maintenance once rewards aren’t guaranteed. No reinforcement at all stops the behavior from occurring because there’s no motivation to perform it. Punishment can create negative feelings, damage rapport, and doesn’t teach the child what to do instead.