In operant conditioning, what term is used to describe the reinforcement provided every time a desired behavior occurs?

The term that describes the reinforcement provided every time a desired behavior occurs is "Continuous." In operant conditioning, continuous reinforcement involves delivering a reward or reinforcement consistently each time the desired behavior is exhibited. This approach is effective for establishing new behaviors because it reinforces the connection between the behavior and the positive outcome immediately, making it clear to the individual what action is being rewarded.

In continuous reinforcement, the learner receives feedback for every instance of the desired behavior, which leads to quicker learning and mastery of the behavior. This method is commonly used in training scenarios where you want to shape a new behavior, as it helps individuals quickly understand what is expected of them.

The other terms listed refer to different patterns of reinforcement. For instance, fixed interval suggests that reinforcement is provided after a set amount of time has passed, while variable interval entails that reinforcement is given after varying time periods. Random interval isn’t a standard term used in operant conditioning; the focus is typically on structured reinforcement schedules, making "Continuous" the correct choice for consistent reinforcement after every occurrence of a behavior.