In which situation would it be most appropriate to use a thinning schedule?

The most appropriate situation to implement a thinning schedule is when the desired behavior has been consistently demonstrated. A thinning schedule involves gradually reducing the frequency of reinforcement after a behavior has been established, which helps to promote the maintenance of the behavior over time. This is most effective when the learner has already shown that they can reliably perform the behavior.

At this stage, the learner is transitioning from a continuous reinforcement schedule, where every instance of the behavior is reinforced, to a more intermittent schedule, which encourages the learner to continue the behavior even when reinforcement is less frequent. By doing so, it fosters independence and enhances the durability of the learned behavior, ensuring that the learner does not become overly reliant on constant reinforcement.

In contrast, using a thinning schedule with beginners or in cases where behavior has not been reliably demonstrated may lead to confusion or a lack of motivation, as the learner has not yet fully established the connection between their behavior and the outcome.