Reinforcement Schedules

getting a snack after reading every 30 pages

fixed ratio

a hotel maid takes a 15 minute break after cleaning 10 rooms

fixed ratio

scratch off lottery tickets

variable ratio

slot machines

variable ratio

clicking "get mail" in outlook

variable interval

your teacher gives pop quizzes

variable interval

picking up the paper in the morning after it has been delivered at the same time every day

fixed interval

checking the refrigerator to see if JELLO is ready

variable ratio/interval

checking the mail for a letter from a friend

variable interval

a boxer has to hit his opponent a variable number of times before a knockout

variable ratio

a charitable organization makes an average of 10 phone calls for every donation it receives

fixed ratio

a blueberry picker receives $1 after filling three pint boxes

fixed ratio

a dog receives a treat after it turns around four times

fixed ratio

a person plays the lottery in hopes of winning

variable ratio

a writer sells stories only occasionally

variable interval

metro train/bus schedule

fixed interval

checking the clock as the end of class nears

variable interval

a professional baseball player gets a hit approximately every third time at bat

fixed ratio

a woman asks men at a dance club to dance with her

variable ratio

subway reward card: get XX stamps, get XX free

fixed ratio

when a student graduates, once they earn XX hours they receive their diploma

fixed ratio

a student receives grades at the end of every semester

fixed interval

checking cell phone for text messages when phone is on silent

variable interval

getting a gift on your birthday (what behavior is being reinforced?)

fixed interval

checking the front porch for a newspaper when the deliverer is extremely unpredictable

variable interval