In operant conditioning, this term refers to a schedule of reinforcement where a behavior is reinforced every time it occurs. This means that each instance of the desired response is immediately followed by a reward or positive consequence. For example, if a rat presses a lever and receives a food pellet each time, this represents an application of this type of reinforcement schedule.
This method is highly effective for initially establishing a new behavior due to its clear and consistent association between action and outcome. The immediate and predictable nature of the reinforcement creates a strong and rapid learning curve. However, the behavior is also susceptible to rapid extinction if the reinforcement stops; the individual quickly learns that the action no longer produces the expected result.