Which reinforcement strategy is likely to lead to long-term behavior change?

Intermittent reinforcement is a strategy that occurs when a behavior is reinforced only some of the time it is exhibited rather than each time. This approach is particularly effective in promoting long-term behavior change for several reasons.

First, intermittent reinforcement creates a level of unpredictability, which can strengthen the behavior over time. When individuals know that reinforcement is not guaranteed with every instance of the behavior, they are more likely to continue engaging in that behavior in anticipation of potential rewards. This unpredictability keeps the individual motivated and engaged longer, as they are not easily discouraged by occasional failures to receive reinforcement.

Second, because the reinforcement is not consistent, individuals learn to persist even in the absence of immediate reward, which fosters resilience and habit formation. This is in contrast to continuous reinforcement, where behaviors are reinforced every time, often leading to rapid but less durable behavior change because once the reinforcement is withdrawn, the behavior can quickly diminish.

Overall, the unpredictability and sustained effort associated with intermittent reinforcement are key factors that contribute to its effectiveness in achieving long-term behavior change.