Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which of the following best describes the impact of intermittent reinforcement on behavior?

1. It has no impact

2. It leads to consistent and predictable behaviors

3. It can lead to unpredictable and persistent behavior

4. It only reinforces negative behavior

The correct answer is: It can lead to unpredictable and persistent behavior

Intermittent reinforcement involves providing rewards or reinforcement on a less-than-continuous basis, which can significantly impact behavior. This method is often used to maintain behaviors over time, as it creates a level of unpredictability regarding when reinforcement will occur. This unpredictability can lead to behavior that is more resistant to extinction, meaning that the individual is likely to persist in the behavior even when reinforcement is not consistently provided. When reinforcement is intermittent, individuals may continue to engage in the behavior due to the anticipation of a reward, which can result in a stronger and more persistent response compared to continuous reinforcement. This phenomenon is commonly observed in scenarios such as gambling, where players may continue to play despite not winning consistently, motivated by the potential for a win that is unpredictably rewarded. Hence, the characteristic of unpredictability coupled with persistence makes intermittent reinforcement a compelling means of shaping and maintaining behavior over time.