Psychology Schedule of Reinforcement

Questions and Answers

What does a schedule of reinforcement indicate?

If the response will always be reinforced

What exactly has to be done for the reinforcer to be delivered (correct)

How many responses are required for reinforcement

The time interval for reinforcement

What is continuous reinforcement?

Each specified response is reinforced.

What is intermittent reinforcement?

Only some responses are reinforced.

What does a ratio schedule require?

A certain number of responses Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a fixed ratio schedule?

A fixed number of responses is required to produce reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a fixed ratio schedule?

Being paid per item in a factory. Signup and view all the answers

What is a post-reinforcement pause?

Short pause following the attainment of the reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

What defines variable ratio schedules?

Reinforcement contingent on varying, unpredictable number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of variable ratio schedules?

Gambling. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes fixed interval schedules?

Reward contingent on response after a fixed, predictable period of time. Signup and view all the answers

What describes variable interval schedules?

Reinforcement contingent on response after varying, unpredictable period of time. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following schedules with their descriptions:

Fixed Ratio = Predictable number of responses required for reinforcement Variable Ratio = Unpredictable number of responses required for reinforcement Fixed Interval = Reinforcement after a set period of time Variable Interval = Reinforcement after varying periods of time Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between working and checking in response schedules?

Working is a ratio schedule mindset whereas checking is an interval schedule mindset. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of Reynolds Experiment regarding VR and VI schedules?

The VR bird responded 5 times as fast as the VI bird. Signup and view all the answers

In general, what do fixed schedules produce compared to variable schedules?

Fixed schedules produce post-reinforcement pauses and variable schedules do not. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Schedule of Reinforcement

Defines the requirements for delivering reinforcers, influencing behavior based on the nature of the response.

Continuous Reinforcement

Involves reinforcement after every specified response.
Effective for initially strengthening or shaping behavior.

Intermittent Reinforcement

Reinforcement is provided only for some responses, contrasting continuous reinforcement.

Ratio Schedule

Requires a certain number of responses for reinforcement.
Types include:
- Fixed Ratio (FR): Reinforcement after a set number of responses.
- Variable Ratio (VR): Reinforcement based on a varying number of responses, averaging around a set number.

Interval Schedule

Reinforcement is timed, contingent on the passage of a specific time period after the last reinforcement.
Types include:
- Fixed Interval (FI): Reinforcement after a predictable time.
- Variable Interval (VI): Reinforcement after varying time periods.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

Reinforcement follows a predictable number of responses, leading to high response rates with short post-reinforcement pauses.
Higher response demands can produce longer pauses if they are more challenging.

Postreinforcement Pause

A brief pause following reinforcement before responding resumes.

Variable Ratio Schedules (VR)

Reinforcement depends on an unpredictable number of responses, resulting in high and steady response rates with minimal postreinforcement pauses.
Tends to elicit persistence in behaviors, including maladaptive ones such as gambling.

Examples of VR Schedules

Gambling and receiving rewards for certain acts of kindness demonstrate unpredictable reinforcement.

Fixed Interval Schedules (FI)

Involves rewards based on responses following a fixed time period, typically producing a scalloped response pattern as the interval approaches completion.

Variable Interval Schedules (VI)

Reinforcement is provided based on varying time intervals, promoting a steady response rate with minimal pauses.

Working Versus Checking

Working: Reflects a ratio schedule mindset, where responses are faster.
Checking: Indicates an interval schedule mindset, with slower responses.

Reynolds Experiment

Studied VR and VI schedules, revealing that animals on VR schedules responded significantly faster than those on VI, despite receiving equal reinforcement.

Fixed versus Variable Types

Fixed Schedules: Typically result in postreinforcement pauses since responses are predictable.
Variable Schedules: Eliminate the predictability of reinforcement timing, leading to higher response rates; VR schedules yield the highest responses.

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Description

This quiz explores the various schedules of reinforcement in psychology, focusing on both continuous and intermittent reinforcement. It covers different types of ratio and interval schedules, analyzing their effects on behavior. Test your understanding of how reinforcement influences responses and behavior shaping.