Describe the four schedules of reinforcement: fixed ratio, fixed interval, variable ratio, and variable interval. How is behavior influenced by each of these schedules?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Continuous reinforcement means that every occurrence of the operant response results in delivery of the reinforcer.

Partial reinforcement refers to a situation in which responding is reinforced only some of the time.

Fixed-ratio schedule means that a reinforcer occurs only after a fixed number of responses are made by the subject. A fixed-ratio schedule is oft en used to pay assembly-line workers because it results in fast rates of work.

Fixed-interval schedule means that a reinforcer occurs following the first response after a fixed interval of time. A fixed-interval schedule has slow responding at first, but as the time for the reinforcer nears, responses increase.

Variable-ratio schedule means that a reinforcer is delivered after an average number of correct responses has occurred. The variable-ratio schedule produces a high rate of responding because the person doesn't know which response will produce the payoff.

Variable-interval schedule means that a reinforcer occurs following the first correct response after an average amount of time has passed. A variable-interval schedule results in a more regular rate of responding than does a fixed-interval schedule.