This question is missing the options. I've found the complete question online. It is as follows:
Mr. Jakowski wants his son to take out the trash without being told. The best way for him to do this would be to reward his son on a _____ schedule of reinforcement at first, then change to a _____ schedule.
A. fixed; variable
B. continuous; partial
C. ratio; interval
D. none of these options
Answer:
I believe the best answer to be B. continuous; partial .
Explanation:
When we wish to condition a new behavior in a way that will be difficult to extinguish and won't require a request every single time, it is a good idea to use a continuous schedule of reinforcement at first, and then move on to a partial schedule. Reinforcement is the consequence of the behavior, something that will happen or will be given to the person or animal practicing that behavior. If we offer a good type of reinforcement - a reward - every single time the person does something, we are using continuous schedule. After the behavior is well established, it is best to switch to partial schedule, which means the behavior won't be reinforced every time. That way, the person or animal learns to do that action frequently, but does not expect to be told or to receive a reward for it.
