Reinforcement schedules

Schedules of Reinforcement:

A pattern that defines how often a desired response will be reinforced

Reinforcement schedule take place in both naturally occurring learning situations as well as more structured training situations

Continuous reinforcement

Desired behavior is reinforced each and every time it occurs

(+) Desired behavior is typically learned quickly

(+) Most effective when teaching a new behavior

(+) Creates a strong association between behavior and response

Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement:

The response is reinforced only part of the time (give a treat ever other time)

(+) Most effective once a behavior has been established

(+) New behavior is less likely to disappear

(+) various partial reinforcement

Fixed- Ratio:

response is reinforced only after a specific number of responses

(+) Builds a high response rate

(-) Irregular responding may occur if reinforcement is stopped

Ex: a coffee shop reward us with a free drink every 10 purchased

Variable-Ratio Schedules:

Response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of response (keep doing it over and over again until you get it)

(+) Learner’s rate of responding remains constant

(-) Not effective for teaching new behaviors

Ex: slot machine

Ex: Surprise blind boxes (not guaranteed your toy)

Fixed-Interval Schedules:

 The first response is rewarded only after a specified amount of time has elapsed 

• (+) tend to respond more frequently as the anticipated time for reward draw near 

• (-) Produces a choppy stop-start pattern rather than a steady rate of response 

Ex: getting a set paycheck every two weeks for your work

Variable-Interval Schedules:

Occur when a response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has passed 

• (+) Produce slow, steady responding minimal pause after reinforcement is given 

Ex: Checking cell phone for text messages when phone is on silent