Schedules of Reinforcement in Psychology: Continuous & Partial Flashcards
reinforcer
any outcome following a behavior that makes that behavior more likely to occur again in the future
schedules of reinforcement
the different patterns a reinforcer can be presented following a behavior. Based on these patterns of reinforcements, behaviors can be increased more or less quickly, and remain a more or less permanent change.
Types of Reinforcement Schedules
continuous reinforcement schedule
partial reinforcement schedule
variable ratio reinforcement schedule
fixed ratio reinforcement schedule
fixed interval reinforcement schedule
variable interval reinforcement schedule
continuous reinforcement schedule
100% schedule of reward
For every single correct behavior, a reinforcement or reward is given. It is rare this happens in a natural setting. An employee for example is not paid for every single desired work behavior they perform. That would be impossible
partial reinforcement schedule
where the number of responses or the elapsed time between reinforcers differs. These are more common in daily life setting
extinction
when the reinforcer is not provided every time the behavior occurs
Variable Ratio
number of responses required before a reward, many change randomly as in a Variable Ratio schedule of reinforcement
fixed ratio
the number of responses may also be set, or fixed,
variable interval
The time period that has to elapse between reinforcement may also be altered
fixed interval
if the time is set, and known between reinforcements
Variable ratio reinforcement schedule
provides a reward, or reinforcement, only after an unknown number of responses has been produced. This pattern of reinforcement produces the most rapid response rate of all the possible reward schedules.
Fixed ratio reinforcement schedule
For every ‘X’ number of responses a reinforcement is provided. The number of behaviors needed may change depending on the task, but the number is known.
variable interval reinforcement schedule
means the amount of time before a reward is received is not known and it changes, regardless of the number of correct behaviors. Because the time is unknown, this will create an intermittent but steady response rate. This type if reinforcement schedule is seen in fishing
fixed interval reinforcement schedule
(FI) is a reward system where the elapsed time between reinforcements are known. The response rate for this type of schedule has a unique scalloped shape when graphed. As the time approaches for the reward, or reinforcement nears, the response rate increases. Performance reviews often follow this pattern of reinforcement.
Playing a slot machine, which provides inconsistently occurring payouts, is an example of a _____.
a. variable ratio
b. fixed ratio
c. variable interval
d. fixed interval
A
