Final answer:
A behavior reinforced on a continuous reinforcement schedule is more sensitive to extinction because the individual expects the reinforcement every time. Partial reinforcement schedules, like variable ratio, lead to behaviors that are more resistant to extinction due to unpredictability of rewards.
Step-by-step explanation:
A behavior that is reinforced on a continuous reinforcement schedule is more sensitive to extinction compared to behaviors reinforced on partial or variable schedules. Continuous reinforcement means rewarding a behavior every time it occurs, which can lead to a quicker learning of the behavior but also to a faster decline when the reinforcement stops. For instance, if a dog receives a treat every time it sits on command, it quickly associates sitting with getting a treat. However, if the treats suddenly cease, the dog is more likely to stop performing the behavior rapidly because it has learned to expect a treat each and every time.
Partial reinforcement, on the other hand, involves reinforcing a behavior only some of the time, which typically leads to a slower initial learning rate but far greater resistance to extinction. The variable ratio schedule, where the reinforcement is unpredictable, creates a high rate of response with little or no pause after reinforcement, making it very resistant to extinction, as seen in gambling behaviors.