Schedule of Reinforcement

Definition

A schedule of reinforcement refers to the timing and pattern in which reinforcements are delivered to reinforce a desired behavior.

Related terms

Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule: This is when reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses. For example, getting a reward every 5th milkshake purchased.

Variable Ratio (VR) Schedule: This is when reinforcement is given after an average number of responses but with variation. For example, getting rewards randomly after buying different numbers of milkshakes.

Variable Interval (VI) Schedule: This is when reinforcement is given after an average amount of time has passed with some variation. For example, receiving rewards randomly after different time intervals between buying milkshakes.