In operant conditioning, a variable-ratio schedule is a partial schedule of reinforcement in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule creates a steady, high rate of response. Gambling and lottery games are good examples of a reward based on a variable-ratio schedule. Show
What Is a Variable-Ratio Schedule?The American Psychological Association defines a variable-ratio schedule as "a type of intermittent reinforcement in which a response is reinforced after a variable number of responses." Schedules of reinforcement play a central role in the operant conditioning process. The frequency with which a behavior is reinforced can help determine how quickly a response is learned as well as how strong the response might be. Each schedule of reinforcement has its own unique set of characteristics. Characteristics of Variable-Ratio SchedulesThere are three common characteristics of a variable-ratio schedule. They are:
How to Identify a Variable-Ratio ScheduleWhen identifying different schedules of reinforcement, it can be helpful to start by looking at the name of the individual schedule itself. In the case of variable-ratio schedules, the term "variable" indicates that reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses. "Ratio" suggests that the reinforcement is given after a set number of responses. Together, the term means that reinforcement is delivered after a varied number of responses. It might also be helpful to contrast the variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement with the fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement. In a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is provided after a set number of responses. For example, in a variable-ratio schedule with a VR 5 schedule, an animal might receive a reward for every five responses, on average. One time, the reward would come after three responses, then seven responses, then five responses, and so on. The reinforcement schedule will average out to be rewarded for every five responses, but the actual delivery schedule will remain unpredictable. In a fixed-ratio schedule, on the other hand, the reinforcement schedule might be set at a FR 5. This would mean that for every five responses, a reward is presented. Where the variable-ratio schedule is unpredictable, the fixed-ratio schedule is set and predictable. Variable-Ratio Schedule
Fixed-Ratio Schedule
Variable-Ratio Schedule Examples What does variable-ratio reinforcement look like in a real-world setting? Here are a few examples to consider.
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Kendra Cherry Thanks for your feedback! What is a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement quizlet?In operant conditioning, a variable-ratio schedule is a schedule of reinforcement where a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule creates a steady, high rate of responding. Gambling and lottery games are good examples of a reward based on a variable ratio schedule.
What is the main purpose of the schedule of reinforcement?Schedules of reinforcement are the rules that control the timing and frequency of reinforcer delivery to increase the likelihood a target behavior will happen again, strengthen or continue.
How does a variable ratio schedule work?In operant conditioning, a variable-ratio schedule is a partial schedule of reinforcement in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. 1 This schedule creates a steady, high rate of response. Gambling and lottery games are good examples of a reward based on a variable-ratio schedule.
What is a variable interval ratio schedule?Variable Interval (VI) Schedule. Interval schedules involve reinforcement of a target behavior after an interval of time has passed. In a variable interval schedule, the interval of time is not always the same but centers around some average.
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