When your child refuses to tidy up their toys, yanks their sibling’s hair, or throws a fit, offering a reward may seem counterintuitive. We completely understand that feeling. However, reinforcing good behavior — perhaps through rewards — can significantly increase the chances of that behavior happening again. This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, a method of learning where behaviors change based on their consequences. As a parent, utilizing reinforcement can help encourage positive actions, such as cleaning up toys or avoiding sibling conflicts. One effective strategy in this context is intermittent reinforcement.
Once a new behavior is established, parents can implement intermittent reinforcement to further support and strengthen it. Unlike continuous reinforcement, where a child receives a reward every time they display the desired behavior, intermittent reinforcement involves providing reinforcement sporadically.
What is Intermittent Reinforcement?
Intermittent reinforcement is a conditioning approach where rewards or punishments are delivered unpredictably for the desired behavior. This contrasts with continuous reinforcement, where a child would receive a reward every single time they exhibit the desired behavior. For instance, under continuous reinforcement, a child might earn an extra hour of screen time for every completed math assignment. Conversely, with intermittent reinforcement, they would receive extra screen time after completing homework, but only occasionally and unpredictably.
How Does an Intermittent Reinforcement Schedule Work?
In an intermittent reinforcement schedule, the time intervals between rewards vary. While the type of reinforcement remains the same (for example, an hour of screen time after homework), the timing is inconsistent — ranging from one to five days, or two to four hours. This unpredictability means your child cannot foresee when the reward will come, increasing the likelihood that they will consistently complete their homework.
Why is this effective? Consider this: if you always received a reward for your actions but suddenly it stopped, you’d likely revert to your old habits. However, if you know that a reward will come eventually, you’re less likely to give up on the behavior. This uncertainty can motivate your child to keep striving for the reward.
Intermittent reinforcement can be more effective than continuous reinforcement because the anticipation of a reward creates a desire to continue the behavior. The potential for receiving something desirable keeps motivation high.
There are four main types of intermittent reinforcement schedules, categorized into two groups: interval (time-based) and ratio (response-based). They can also be classified as fixed or variable. The four schedules include:
- Fixed Interval Schedule: A response is rewarded after a fixed amount of time.
- Fixed Ratio Schedule: A response is rewarded after a specific number of actions.
- Variable Interval Schedule: A reward is given after a random amount of time.
- Variable Ratio Schedule: A reward is given after a random number of actions.
Examples of Intermittent Reinforcement
A relatable example of intermittent reinforcement is visiting an arcade. Your child doesn’t win every time or earn a consistent number of tickets. The inconsistent nature of ticket wins creates excitement and dopamine release in the brain.
Another example is fishing. You might take your child to the same spot daily, but the number of fish caught can vary. Past successes keep you returning in hope of catching “the big one.”
From a parenting perspective, consider sporadically disciplining a child who throws tantrums in public. If you punish them every time, that’s continuous reinforcement. But if you only intervene occasionally, your child experiences a form of intermittent reinforcement.
Examples for Different Age Groups
Ages 4 to 7:
- Your child is on their iPad. When you ask them to put it away, they request five more minutes, and you comply. The next time, you deny the request, leading to a pout.
- During their birthday week, you allow extra dessert. The following week, when they ask for more, you say no, resulting in disappointment.
Ages 8 to 10:
- After preparing lunch, your child wants to swap a healthy item for a snack. You refuse, and they come home with the item uneaten. When they ask again later, you allow the swap.
- While running errands, your child asks to use your phone. You let them, but the next time they ask, you say no, and they throw a tantrum.
- Your child usually sleeps with you and your partner. When you have them sleep in their own bed, they ask for you to stay with them, but you consistently refuse.
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Summary
Intermittent reinforcement is an effective parenting strategy that encourages positive behavior by providing rewards unpredictably rather than consistently. This method helps to sustain motivation and promote desired actions in children.