1. Schedules of Reinforcement
Directions: Read each of the following statements presented and determine which partial schedule of reinforcement is explained (fixed interval, fixed ratio, variable interval, variable ratio).

2. Schedules of Reinforcement
Fixed (same)
Variable (changing)
Ratio
(action)
Every so many; a set number
After an unpredictable number; a changing number
Interval
(time)
Every so often; a fixed amount of time
Unpredictably often; a changing amount of time
On this slide, clicking on each of the blue boxes will cause them to disappear revealing an abbreviated definition below.
(If you are working on a Mac, clicking anywhere outside of the chart will make the rectangles disappear in order beginning with “fixed ratio”)

3. Schedules of Reinforcement
Fixed Ratio
Variable Ratio
Fixed Interval
Variable Interval VR
Buying scratch-off lottery tickets and sometimes winning.
A hotel maid may take a 15-minute break after cleaning 10 rooms.
Receiving an allowance every Sunday.
Checking the front porch for a newspaper when the deliverer is extremely unpredictable.
Checking the oven to see if chocolate chip cookies are done, when baking time is known. FR FI VI
These two slides are animated so that each example comes up in sequence followed on the next click by the correct answer.
Consider allowing students to discuss their answers with each other (in pairs, small groups, or as a class) before clicking in. FI

4. Schedules of Reinforcement
Fixed Ratio
Variable Ratio
Fixed Interval
Variable Interval FR
A blueberry picker receives $1 after filling three pint boxes.
A charitable organization makes an average of 10 phone calls for every donation it receives.
Repeatedly calling a garage mechanic to see if your car is fixed yet.
A student’s final grade improves one level for every three book reviews submitted.
A professional baseball player gets a hit approximately every third time at bat VR VI FR VR