Variable Ratio

Definition

In psychology, variable ratio refers to delivering reinforcements after an unpredictable number of responses.

Related terms

Partial Reinforcement: It involves reinforcing behavior only part of the time rather than all the time.

Ratio Schedule:

A program of reinforcement where the organism is reinforced after a certain number of responses.

Intermittent Reinforcement: This refers to when rules, rewards or personal boundaries are handed out or enforced inconsistently and occasionally which results in high rates of responding.