There are four basic schedules of reinforcement based on these two distinctions: Fixed-ratio schedules involve reinforcement after a fixed number of responses after every tenth response, for example. In this case nine non-reinforced responses would be followed by one reinforced response. If you had a job in which you were paid for every twenty pieces of work that you turned out, you would be working on a fixed-ratio schedule. The machine pays after a certain number of responses—say, once every ten handle pulls, on the average but the gambler does not know in advance which particular attempt will pay off. This schedule of reinforcement has proved to be highly effective in keeping gamblers at the machine.
4 Schedules Of Reinforcement In Psychology.
With fixed-interval schedules, the first response after a set period of time gets reinforced. The number of responses made during the interval does not matter. A rat on a fixed-interval schedule will increase the number of bar presses as the time for reinforcement draws near. Similarly, students are likely to respond to the fixed intervals at which examinations take place by cramming just before the exam, laying off right afterward, and starting to study again as the next exam approaches.
With variable-interval schedules, the only response reinforced is the first one after a time interval has passed, but the length of the interval varies around some average. An animal pressing a bar might be rewarded after intervals averaging out to five minutes, with some intervals as short as a minute and some as long as fifteen minutes. Similarly, an instructor might have you on a variable-interval schedule for studying by giving you surprise quizzes. The quizzes may come once a week on the average, but some come a day after the last one, and others come as long as two weeks after. A variable-interval schedule typically produces a steadier rate of responding than does a fixed-interval schedule, as when a student has to study regularly to be prepared for pop quizzes.
In real life it is difficult to find pure examples of these four basic schedules. The schedules of partial reinforcement that most often occur are mixed schedules that are combinations of ratio and interval, fixed and variable. You may be paid on the first and fifteenth days of every month (fixed interval), but pay raises are more likely to be determined by the number of responses—such as the number of encyclopedias you sell—which is more like a variable-ratio schedule.
The Influence of Schedules of Reinforcement
Schedules of reinforcement play a pivotal role in determining the persistence, rate, and pattern of behavior. They can shape behavior in numerous ways, including:
- Establishing Behavior: Schedules of reinforcement are vital in establishing new behaviors. By consistently reinforcing desired behaviors, individuals are more likely to repeat them.
- Maintaining Behavior: Once a behavior is established, schedules of reinforcement help maintain it over time. Intermittent reinforcement schedules, in particular, can maintain behavior even in the absence of frequent and predictable reinforcements.
- Increasing or Decreasing Response Rates: Different schedules of reinforcement can influence the rate at which behavior occurs. Fixed ratio schedules typically result in high response rates, while fixed interval schedules often lead to a slower response rate with a pattern of increased behavior as the reinforcement time approaches.
Enhancing Resistance to Extinction: When behavior is reinforced on an intermittent schedule, it tends to be more resistant to extinction. This means that individuals are less likely to stop engaging in the behavior even when the reinforcement is no longer present.
A tabular guide can succinctly compare these schedules along key dimensions like response patterns, reinforcement delivery, and common examples. Here’s a simple format for such a table:
| Schedule Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-Ratio | Reinforcement after a set number of responses | Paycheck for every 10 units made |
| Variable-Ratio | Reinforcement after a random number of responses | Slot machine wins |
| Fixed-Interval | Reinforcement after a set time interval | Weekly quiz in a class |
| Variable-Interval | Reinforcement at random time intervals | Checking for a text message |
This format helps in understanding how different schedules operate and their effects on behavior, which is a central topic in the study of operant conditioning in psychology.
Conclusion
Schedules of reinforcement in psychology provide valuable insights into how behavior is shaped and maintained. Understanding the various types of schedules and their impact on behavior can help psychologists, educators, and individuals alike in optimizing learning and shaping desired behaviors. By carefully aligning reinforcements with specific schedules, lasting behavior change can be achieved, leading to personal growth and success in various aspects of life.