Which type of reinforcement provides reinforcement for every instance of a desired behavior?

Continuous reinforcement is a type of reinforcement that occurs when a behavior is rewarded every time it occurs. This method is particularly effective in the early stages of learning a new behavior because it helps establish a strong and consistent association between the behavior and the reinforcement. For example, if a child receives praise every time they clean their room, they are more likely to repeat that behavior because they have learned that their actions lead to immediate rewards.

In the context of learning theories, continuous reinforcement can lead to rapid acquisition of a new behavior. However, it may not be as effective in maintaining that behavior over time, as the learner may become dependent on the constant reinforcement. Transitioning to a different schedule of reinforcement, such as intermittent reinforcement, can lead to more durable behavior in the long run.

The other types of reinforcement mentioned do not provide reinforcement for every instance of a desired behavior. Differential reinforcement focuses on reinforcing only certain instances of the desired behavior while ignoring others, thus shaping behavior progressively. Selective reinforcement involves rewarding only specific behaviors that are deemed appropriate, while periodic reinforcement schedules provide reinforcement after a certain number of responses or time intervals rather than with each behavior.