True or False: Immediate reinforcement is often more effective than delayed reinforcement.

Immediate reinforcement is often more effective than delayed reinforcement because it strengthens the association between the desired behavior and the reinforcement provided. When reinforcement follows the behavior closely in time, it enhances the learner's understanding of what behavior is being rewarded. This immediacy can promote quicker learning and greater motivation, as the individual can more clearly connect the reinforcement to their actions.

In contrast, delayed reinforcement may lead to confusion about which specific behavior is being rewarded. The effectiveness of the reinforcement diminishes as the time between the behavior and the reinforcement increases. This principle holds true across various contexts, making immediate reinforcement a well-supported practice in behavior analysis.