Schedules of Reinforcement

What is a continuous reinforcement schedule (CRF/FR1)?

Reinforcing every occurrence of a behaviour. Used to strengthen new behaviours (e.g., praising a child each time they say "please").

How do intermittent schedules (INT) differ from CRF?

INT reinforces some responses (not all). Benefits:

More resistant to extinction

Maintains behaviour long-term

Cost-effective (e.g., VR in slot machines).

Compare fixed ratio (FR) and variable ratio (VR) schedules.

FR: Reinforces after a fixed number of responses (e.g., FR5 = reward every 5th response).

Pattern: High rate, post-reinforcement pause.

VR: Reinforces after an average number of responses (e.g., VR5 = reward after 3, 7, 5 responses).

Pattern: Steady, high rate (e.g., gambling).

What is a post-reinforcement pause, and in which schedules does it occur?

A brief pause in responding after reinforcement. Common in FR and FI schedules.

Give a real-world example of a token economy using FR.

Case study: 10-year-old earned a token every 30 minutes of dialysis compliance (FR2), exchanged for comics.

Result: Reduced aggression during treatment.

How does a variable interval (VI) schedule work?

Reinforces the first response after variable time intervals (e.g., VI30s = reward after ~30s on average).

Pattern: Steady, moderate response rate (e.g., checking emails).

Why are FI schedules rarely used in teaching programmes?

They produce scalloped responding (low effort early, surge near interval end), which is inefficient for skill acquisition.

What is the key difference between ratio and interval schedules?

Ratio: Based on response number (e.g., FR, VR).

Interval: Based on time elapsed (e.g., FI, VI).

How did a VR schedule increase exercise in the obese boys study?

Baseline: ~59 RPM (obese), ~72 RPM (non-obese).

VR phase: RPM increased to ~85 (obese) and ~114 (non-obese).

Mechanism: Unpredictable rewards maintained high effort.

Why is schedule "thinning" important in behaviour change?

Transitioning from CRF → INT ensures:

- Maintenance in natural environments (e.g., social praise replaces tokens).

- Prevents satiation and dependency on constant reinforcement.

What response pattern does a VI schedule produce, and why?

Steady, moderate rate because reinforcement is time-based but unpredictable (e.g., checking for WhatsApp replies).

How do schedules help address problem behaviours?

Analysing the maintaining schedule (e.g., VR for tantrums) guides intervention:

- Replace with a competing schedule (e.g., VI for calm behaviour).

- Ensure the new schedule is richer (more reinforcing).