Which of the following is a characteristic of behaviorism in educational reinforcement?

The characteristic of structured schedules for rewards or punishments is fundamental to behaviorism in educational reinforcement. Behaviorism is based on the principle that behaviors can be shaped through the use of reinforcement and punishment. Implementing structured schedules involves clearly defined intervals or circumstances under which reinforcement or punishment is applied. This consistency helps learners understand the consequences of their actions, thereby influencing their behavior in a predictable manner.

Using structured schedules means that students receive reinforcements (such as praise or rewards) or face consequences (such as loss of privileges) based on well-defined criteria and timing. This predictability is crucial as it fosters a more effective learning environment where students can connect their behavior directly to the responses they receive from educators. Such systematic reinforcement methods align with the ideas of prominent behaviorists, like B.F. Skinner, who emphasized the importance of consistent and structured approaches to reinforce learning effectively.