According to Skinner, how should rewards be provided to effectively reinforce behavior?

Providing rewards that are specific to a particular performance is essential for effectively reinforcing behavior according to Skinner's principles of operant conditioning. When rewards are tied directly to specific behaviors, individuals can clearly associate their actions with the positive outcome. This specificity helps to clarify which behaviors are desirable and promotes a stronger connection between the action and the reinforcement.

For example, if a nurse demonstrates exemplary patient care, recognizing that specific behavior with a reward not only reinforces that action but also encourages the nurse to continue performing at that level. This targeted approach fosters an environment of positive reinforcement, motivating individuals to repeat the behaviors that led to the reward.

In contrast, providing rewards at established intervals may focus more on routine performance rather than reinforcing specific achievements. This can lead to a more generalized sense of reward rather than a targeted reinforcement of individual behaviors. Similarly, rewarding behaviors sometimes after the event may dilute the connection between the behavior and the reward, leading to confusion about what actions are being reinforced. Giving rewards very sparingly can increase their perceived value, but it risks not reinforcing behaviors consistently enough to effect lasting change. Thus, specificity in rewards directly linked to particular behaviors is the most effective way to reinforce desired actions.