What happens to the likelihood of a behavior being repeated when it is rewarded every time initially?

When a behavior is consistently rewarded, the likelihood of that behavior being repeated increases significantly. This concept is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, where behaviors that are positively reinforced tend to be repeated more often.

Initially rewarding a behavior every time serves to strengthen the association between the behavior and the reward, reinforcing the individual’s motivation to engage in that behavior again. The early, consistent success builds confidence and encourages persistence as the individual learns that their actions lead to desirable outcomes.

As this behavior becomes more established through positive reinforcement, it not only encourages repetition but also creates a stronger bond between the action and its positive consequences. Over time, if the rewards are adjusted to be less frequent, the behavior can still persist due to the foundations laid during the initial phase of consistent reinforcement. Therefore, the consistent rewards during the initial stage are crucial in establishing a strong pattern of behavior.