AP Psychology Practice Test 2026 - Free AP Psychology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Continuous reinforcement refers to the process of reinforcing a desired behavior every time it occurs. This means that each instance of the behavior is followed by a reinforcement, which can be either a positive reward or the removal of a negative stimulus. This type of reinforcement is particularly effective during the initial stages of learning a new behavior because it helps the individual quickly understand the connection between their actions and the outcome. By providing immediate and consistent reinforcement, learners are more likely to repeat the desired behavior, establishing strong behavior patterns.

In contrast, the other methods outlined involve varying schedules of reinforcement, which can lead to different outcomes and behaviors. For instance, partial reinforcement only reinforces the desired response some of the time, while variable reinforcement schedules involve varying the number of responses or time periods before reinforcement occurs. Though these methods can lead to more resistant behavior patterns over time, they are not classified as continuous reinforcement.