Which reinforcement type reinforces a response only part of the time, in an unpredictable manner?

Intermittent reinforcement is a type of reinforcement in which a behavior is rewarded only some of the time rather than every time it occurs. This approach can be seen in various scenarios, such as when a person receives a reward after completing a task sporadically rather than consistently. The unpredictability of the reward makes the behavior more resistant to extinction, as the individual continues to respond in anticipation of the reinforcement. This method is often used in behavioral training and can be particularly effective in maintaining behaviors over time, as the unpredictability keeps the individual engaged and motivated.

The other options do not apply to the concept of reinforcing a response in an unpredictable manner. A light physical prompt refers to a guiding action used to help a person complete a task, rather than a reinforcement mechanism. Incompatible behavior is focused on behaviors that cannot occur simultaneously, which is unrelated to reinforcement schedules. Finally, learning is a broader term that describes the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills and does not specifically relate to how responses are reinforced. Thus, intermittent reinforcement is the most accurate choice for this question about partially unpredictable reinforcement.