Schedules of Reinforcement Operant Conditioning Schedules of Reinforcement
Partial Schedules of Reinforcement Ratios = a number of times Interval = a time period elapsed Fixed = remains the same, predictable Variable = changes, unpredictable
Fixed Schedules Variable Schedules Variable Ratio – reinforcement after a varying number of responses Variable Interval – reinforcement of first response after varying amounts of time Fixed Ratio – reinforcement after a fixed or set number of responses Fixed Interval – reinforcement of first response after a fixed amount of time has passed
Answer: Variable Ratio A person purchases a lottery ticket and wins. Answer: Variable Ratio
A worker may take a 15-minute break after working for four hours A worker may take a 15-minute break after working for four hours. Answer: Fixed Interval
A man scans the sky for shooting stars at night A man scans the sky for shooting stars at night. Answer: Variable Interval
A teenager receives an allowance every Saturday for completing his chores. Answer: Fixed Interval
A baseball player hits a home run. Answer: Variable Ratio
A basketball player is ejected from the game after committing five fouls. Answer: Fixed Ratio
A charitable organization makes an average of 10 phone calls for every donation it receives. Answer: Variable Ratio
A man checks his bank account periodically to see if his income tax return has been deposited yet. Answer: Variable Interval
Receive $10 off your next purchase after spending $100 in the store Receive $10 off your next purchase after spending $100 in the store. Answer: Fixed Ratio
A teacher gives a quiz every Friday. Answer: Fixed Interval