Does random reward evoke stronger habits?

Bound_up

http://measureofdoubt.com/2011/04/12/pulling-levers-killing-monsters-the-lure-of-unpredictable-rewards/ (how do I put a link like this in a word with blue letters?)

I've read that unpredictable rewards associated with a behavior actually encourage that behavior more effectively than consistent rewards.

The optimal habit-forming figure given in the link above is a 25% chance of reward for each instance of performing the behavior.

My hypothesis then, is that if I want to establish a habit by rewarding myself upon successfully performing a certain task, I should reward myself only 25% of the time if I want to ingrain the habit as forcefully as possible into my unconscious.

Anyone else think so, or have any other research to add?

http://measureofdoubt.com/2011/04/12/pulling-levers-killing-monsters-the-lure-of-unpredictable-rewards/ (how do I put a link like this in a word with blue letters?)

I've read that unpredictable rewards associated with a behavior actually encourage that behavior more effectively than consistent rewards.

The optimal habit-forming figure given in the link above is a 25% chance of reward for each instance of performing the behavior.

Anyone else think so, or have any other research to add?

It seems that in the case of casino's unpredictability is an important part. If you make a conscious choice to reward yourself every 4th times you lose that element of unpredictability.

I would also expect that the optimal percentage is context dependent and the 25% don't generalize to every task and reward.