4.2.2 Schedules of Reinforcement

• Schedules of reinforcement determine when a behavior is followed by a reinforcer
• What type of reinforcement schedule reinforces a behavior after a set number of responses?

  Fixed-ratio
• A fixed-ratio schedule reinforces a behavior after a set number of responses
• Which reinforcement schedule reinforces a behavior after a random number of responses?

  Variable-ratio
• A fixed-interval schedule reinforces a behavior after a set amount of time
• What is the effect of continuous reinforcement on learning?

  Rapid learning
• Fixed ratio schedules lead to high and steady response
• Variable ratio schedules produce a post-reinforcement pause.

  False
• Continuous reinforcement results in rapid learning but the behavior is less resistant to extinction
• What type of reinforcement schedule reinforces a behavior after a set number of responses?

  Fixed ratio
• A fixed ratio schedule produces a high and steady response rate.
• A variable ratio schedule reinforces behavior after a random number of responses
• What type of reinforcement schedule leads to high and consistent response rates without a post-reinforcement pause?

  Variable ratio
• A fixed interval schedule reinforces behavior after a consistent time interval.
• A variable interval schedule reinforces behavior after a random time interval
• Which reinforcement schedule has no post-reinforcement pause?

  Variable ratio
• Schedules of reinforcement influence the frequency and persistence of behaviors.
• What is the main limitation of continuous reinforcement?

  Less resistant to extinction
• Match the reinforcement schedule with its key feature:

  Fixed Ratio ↔️ High and steady response rate

  Continuous ↔️ Rapid learning

  Variable Ratio ↔️ High and consistent response rate
• A variable ratio schedule reinforces behavior after a random number of responses
• What type of response pattern is associated with a fixed interval schedule?

  Scalloped
• A variable interval schedule leads to steady and consistent response rates.
• What is a variable interval schedule in reinforcement theory?

  Random time interval reinforcement
• A variable interval schedule results in steady and consistent response rates with less predictable pauses than fixed interval schedules.
• An example of a variable interval schedule is checking email.
• What type of reinforcement does a fixed interval schedule use?

  Consistent time intervals
• Order the schedules of reinforcement from highest to lowest post-reinforcement pause:

  1️⃣ Fixed Interval

  2️⃣ Fixed Ratio

  3️⃣ Variable Interval

  4️⃣ Variable Ratio
• What is an example of a fixed ratio schedule in real life?

  Loyalty program
• Slot machines in a casino operate on a variable ratio schedule.
• Bi-weekly paychecks are an example of a fixed interval schedule.
• Which schedule is most susceptible to extinction when rewards stop?

  Fixed Ratio
• Which schedule maintains high response rates even without consistent rewards?

  Variable Ratio