Final answer:
Continuous reinforcement is the most effective when first learning a behavior, with a reinforcer given after each desired behavior. Partial reinforcement, especially variable ratio schedules, becomes more effective after the behavior is established, maintaining it over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
When first learning a behavior, the most effective method of reinforcement is continuous reinforcement. This approach involves presenting a reinforcer each time the desired behavior is displayed, thereby quickly establishing the behavior. In the context of operant conditioning, positive reinforcement plays a key role in teaching new behaviors. An example would be giving a dog a treat immediately after it sits to reinforce that sitting will result in a desirable outcome.
After a behavior is well established, trainers may switch to partial reinforcement, which is less predictable and involves reinforcing the behavior only some of the time. This can take the form of fixed or variable schedules, and either interval or ratio based reinforcements. Among these, the variable ratio reinforcement schedule is known to be highly effective and resistant to extinction, meaning that the behavior persists even when reinforcement is no longer given.