Continuous reinforcement involves providing a reward every time a desired behavior occurs, which strengthens the association between the behavior and its consequence. When a behavior is continuously reinforced, an individual quickly learns that exhibiting the behavior results in a specific outcome. This immediate and consistent feedback leads to rapid shaping and maintaining of that behavior.
When continuous reinforcement is removed, the individual may cease the behavior more quickly because there is a direct experience of deprivation; they notice immediately when the reinforcement is absent. In contrast, intermittent reinforcement occurs when the behavior is only occasionally rewarded. While this may lead to longer-lasting behaviors due to unpredictability, it also means that the individual may not recognize a clear connection with their actions and can take longer to decrease the behavior after reinforcement is stopped.
Therefore, the statement that a behavior will decrease more quickly after continuous reinforcement rather than intermittent reinforcement is supported by the principles of behavior psychology, which highlight the effects of consistent reinforcement on behavior modification.