Which method does B.F. Skinner suggest for dispersing reinforcement to students?

B.F. Skinner, renowned for his work in behaviorism, suggests that a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement is particularly effective in maintaining and increasing desired behaviors in students. This method involves providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, rather than a fixed number or after a specific period. The uncertainty of when the next reinforcement will occur keeps students engaged and motivated, as they are encouraged to persist in their behavior in hopes of receiving the reward.

In educational settings, this can translate to recognizing student efforts at varying intervals, which can lead to a habit of eagerness and effort toward learning tasks. The unpredictability of the reinforcement makes it more effective than other methods because it can create a stronger association between the desired behavior and the reward.

On the other hand, while options such as fixed interval or fixed ratio provide consistent schedules of reinforcement, they can lead to students becoming less engaged over time due to their predictable nature. Continuous reinforcement can be effective in the early stages of learning, but it may not sustain long-term behavior change as effectively as a variable ratio approach.