4.1 Types of Reinforcement Schedules
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Reinforcement schedules are key to understanding how behaviors are shaped and maintained. They determine when and how often rewards are given for specific actions, influencing the strength and persistence of behaviors.
This section covers four main types of reinforcement schedules: fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval. It also explains continuous and , as well as the process of when reinforcement stops.
Ratio Schedules
Fixed and Variable Ratio Schedules
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- Fixed Ratio (FR) schedules deliver reinforcement after a fixed number of responses
- Reinforcement is given after a predetermined number of responses (FR 10 = reinforcement after 10 responses)
- Produces a high, steady rate of responding with a brief pause after reinforcement
- can occur if the ratio is too high, leading to slower or stopped responding
- Variable Ratio (VR) schedules deliver reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses
- Reinforcement is given after a varying number of responses around an average value (VR 10 = reinforcement after an average of 10 responses)
- Produces a high, steady rate of responding with few pauses
- Behaviors are more resistant to extinction compared to FR schedules due to the unpredictability of reinforcement
Continuous Reinforcement
- involves reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs
- Fastest way to teach a new behavior and establish a strong response
- However, the behavior is quickly extinguished when reinforcement is no longer provided consistently
- Typically used in the initial stages of learning before moving to an intermittent schedule to maintain the behavior
Interval Schedules
Fixed and Variable Interval Schedules
- Fixed Interval (FI) schedules deliver reinforcement for the first response after a fixed time interval
- Reinforcement is given for the first response after a predetermined time has elapsed (FI 2min = reinforcement for first response after 2 minutes)
- Produces a scalloped pattern of responding, with a pause after reinforcement followed by an increasing rate of responding as the next interval elapses
- Variable Interval (VI) schedules deliver reinforcement for the first response after an unpredictable time interval
- Reinforcement is given for the first response after a varying time interval around an average duration (VI 2min = reinforcement for first response after an average of 2 minutes)
- Produces a moderate, steady rate of responding with few pauses
- Behaviors are more resistant to extinction compared to FI schedules due to the unpredictability of reinforcement timing
Intermittent Reinforcement
- Intermittent Reinforcement involves reinforcing a behavior only some of the times it occurs, not every time
- Behaviors acquired under intermittent reinforcement are more resistant to extinction than those acquired under continuous reinforcement
- Intermittent reinforcement schedules, like VR and VI, are effective for maintaining behaviors over time
- The unpredictable nature of reinforcement strengthens the behavior and makes it less likely to extinguish when reinforcement is withheld
Extinction
Withholding Reinforcement
- Extinction refers to the weakening and eventual disappearance of a previously reinforced behavior when reinforcement is no longer provided
- When a behavior is no longer reinforced, it gradually decreases in frequency until it stops occurring altogether
- Extinction does not erase the learned behavior, but rather suppresses it as long as reinforcement remains unavailable
- Spontaneous recovery can occur where an extinguished behavior suddenly reappears after a period of time without exposure to the original learning context
- Extinction bursts, a temporary increase in the frequency or intensity of the behavior, can occur early in the extinction process before the behavior starts to decline
Key Terms to Review (18)
B.F. Skinner: B.F. Skinner was an influential American psychologist best known for his work in behaviorism and the development of operant conditioning theory. His research focused on how behavior is shaped by reinforcement and punishment, leading to the understanding of how rewards and consequences influence learning and behavior modification. This work laid the foundation for various applications in education, therapy, and behavior modification techniques.
Behaviorism: Behaviorism is a psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and the role of the environment in shaping those behaviors, largely ignoring mental processes. This perspective asserts that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment, making reinforcement and punishment key components in understanding how learning occurs.
Continuous Reinforcement: Continuous reinforcement is a schedule of reinforcement where a behavior is reinforced every time it occurs. This type of reinforcement is essential in the early stages of learning, as it helps establish a strong connection between the behavior and the reinforcement. By consistently providing rewards for the desired behavior, individuals can quickly learn and repeat that behavior. This concept ties into various reinforcement schedules, the effects of those schedules on behavior, and practical applications in behavioral therapy.
Delayed Reinforcement: Delayed reinforcement refers to a situation in which a reward or reinforcement follows a behavior after a significant time interval, rather than immediately. This type of reinforcement can influence the learning process by affecting how and when behaviors are strengthened or weakened over time, often requiring individuals to maintain motivation even when rewards are not immediate.
Edward Thorndike: Edward Thorndike was an influential American psychologist known for his work on learning theory, particularly in relation to animal behavior and education. He is best known for developing the Law of Effect, which states that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to occur. His findings laid the groundwork for understanding reinforcement and punishment in learning, influencing later theories of behaviorism and conditioning.
Extinction: Extinction is the process in which a previously reinforced behavior decreases and eventually stops occurring when the reinforcement is no longer presented. This concept is critical in understanding how learned behaviors can diminish over time, particularly in classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and behavior modification techniques, illustrating the impact of the absence of reinforcement or conditioning stimuli.
Fixed Interval Schedule: A fixed interval schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule in which a response is rewarded only after a specified amount of time has passed. This means that the first correct response after a set duration leads to reinforcement, making it predictable for the learner. Such schedules can influence the rate and timing of responses, often resulting in patterns of behavior that align with the timing of the reinforcement.
Fixed Ratio Schedule: A fixed ratio schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule in which a reward is delivered after a specific number of responses have been made. This means that the reinforcement is contingent upon a consistent number of behaviors being performed, leading to predictable outcomes for the individual. This type of schedule often results in high rates of responding as individuals work to reach the designated response requirement for the reward.
Gambling: Gambling is the act of risking money or valuables on an outcome that is largely influenced by chance, with the hope of winning more than what was originally wagered. This behavior can be understood through the lens of reinforcement schedules, as the unpredictable nature of gambling outcomes often creates a powerful feedback loop, reinforcing the desire to continue participating despite potential losses.
Immediate Reinforcement: Immediate reinforcement refers to the practice of providing a reward or reinforcement right after a desired behavior is exhibited. This quick feedback helps strengthen the association between the behavior and the positive outcome, making it more likely that the behavior will be repeated in the future. In the context of reinforcement schedules, immediate reinforcement is crucial for effective learning and behavior modification.
Intermittent reinforcement: Intermittent reinforcement is a conditioning schedule in which a response is reinforced only part of the time, rather than every time it occurs. This type of reinforcement leads to more persistent behavior because the unpredictability creates a stronger association between the behavior and the reward. The concept plays a crucial role in understanding how different reinforcement schedules can affect learning, behavior patterns, and applications in real-world situations, particularly in clinical settings.
Operant Conditioning: Operant conditioning is a learning process through which the consequences of a behavior influence the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. This concept emphasizes how rewards and punishments can shape behavior, making it fundamental to understanding various aspects of learning and behavior modification.
Pay-per-piece work: Pay-per-piece work is a type of compensation system where employees are paid a fixed rate for each unit of output they produce, rather than receiving a regular salary or hourly wage. This method incentivizes workers to increase their productivity since their earnings directly correlate with the amount of work they complete. It often aligns with concepts of reinforcement schedules, as the immediate reward for each piece can enhance motivation and performance.
Ratio Strain: Ratio strain refers to the difficulty or decrease in responding that occurs when an individual is required to perform a high number of responses for a reward, leading to frustration or burnout. This concept is especially relevant when examining how various reinforcement schedules impact behavior, as high response requirements can lead to reduced motivation and effectiveness of the reinforcement.
Resistance to Extinction: Resistance to extinction refers to the tendency of a learned behavior to persist even when reinforcement is no longer provided. This phenomenon is closely tied to how different reinforcement schedules can influence the durability of behavior, as behaviors reinforced intermittently tend to be more resilient when facing extinction compared to those reinforced continuously.
Scalloped Response Pattern: The scalloped response pattern is a distinctive way of behavior that occurs when reinforcement is delivered after a set period of time, specifically in fixed interval schedules. In this pattern, the rate of response gradually increases as the time for reinforcement approaches, leading to a steep increase in responses just before the reinforcement is available. This creates a visual representation resembling a scallop shape when plotted on a graph.
Variable Interval Schedule: A variable interval schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule in which a response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has passed. This means that the timing of the reinforcement is random, making it difficult to predict when the next reward will come, which can lead to high rates of responding. This schedule is effective in maintaining a steady rate of behavior over time, as individuals learn that consistent responding increases the likelihood of eventual rewards.
Variable Ratio Schedule: A variable ratio schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule leads to a high and steady rate of responding because the reinforcement is not predictable, keeping individuals engaged and motivated to continue their behavior. It is often observed in real-life situations, like gambling or lottery games, where rewards are given after a varying number of attempts.