Schedules of Reinforcement

Schedule of Reinforcement

A rule describing the delivery of reinforcement.

Types of Reinforcement

Simple Schedule, Intermittent Schedule, Compound Schedule and Partial Reinforcement

Simple Schedule

Rule that determines when a behavior will be reinforced.

Fixed Ratio/Duration (Simple Scheduling)

Reinforcement is contingent on the continuous performance of behavior for some period of time.

Variable Ratio/Duration (Simple Scheduling)

The required period varies around some averages.

Fixed Time (Simple Scheduling)

Reinforcement is given regardless of what behavior occurred.

Variable Time (Simple Scheduling)

Reinforcer is delivered periodically at irregular intervals, regardless of the behavior.

Progressive Scheduling (Simple Scheduling)

Progressive increases the ratio, time, intervals or durations to be reinforced.

Progressive Ratio (Simple Scheduling)

Uses arithmetic or geometric scale to determine reinforcement frequency.

Stretching the Ratio (Simple Scheduling)

Increasing the number of behaviors before reinforcement or gradually reducing the size of reinforcement.

Ratio Strain (Simple Scheduling)

May lead to breakpoint due to increased requirements.

Intermittent Schedule

Reinforces a behavior only sometimes, not every time it occurs.

Fixed Ratio (Intermittent)

Reinforcement is provided after a set number of responses.

Variable Ratio (Inermittent)

Reinforcement is provided after a varying number of responses.

Fixed Interval (Intermittent)

Reinforcement is provided after a specific amount of time has passed, regardless of responses.

Variable Interval (Intermittent)

Reinforcement is provided after a varying amount of time has passed, with the average time between reinforcements consistent.

Compound Schedule

Created by combining two or more basic schedules of reinforcement.

Multiple Schedules (Compound Scheduling)

Two or more basic schedules are presented, each with a different stimuli that signals which schedule is currently in effect.

Mixed Schedule (Compound Scheduling)

Different schedules are presented in a random order without stimuli to indicate requirements.

Chain Schedule (Compound Scheduling)

Two or more schedules are presented in sequence, with each having its own stimuli.

Tandem Schedule (Compound Scheduling)

Each schedule must be completed in order, with no cues to signal requirements.

Cooperative Schedule (Compound Scheduling)

A schedule that involves cooperation among individuals.

Concurrent Schedule (Compound Scheduling)

Two or more schedules are in effect simultaneously, allowing a choice of responses.

Matching Law

Distribution of behaviors matches the availability of reinforcement.

Partial Reinforcement

Schedule of reinforcement where a behavior is reinforced some of the time, not every time.

Extinction

When a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, it will decrease in performance and become extinct.

Factors Influencing Extinction

Include: number of times behavior was reinforced, the effort required, type and size of reinforcer, and the reinforcement schedule.

Extinction Outburst (Variables affecting extinction)

The immediate effect of extinction is an abrupt increase in behavior.

Variability of Behavior (Variables affecting extinction)

If something isn’t working, try something else.

Aggression (Variables affecting extinction)

Disappointment with the lack of rewards can lead to aggressive behaviors.

Resurgence (Variables affecting extinction)

Reappearance of a previously reinforced behavior.

Spontaneous Recovery

When an extinct behavior is reinforced again, it may reappear.

Discrimination Hypothesis

Suggests the ability to distinguish between different stimuli is key in behavior or learning.

Frustration Hypothesis

Frustration from blocked goals is a major cause of aggression.

Sequential Hypothesis

A statistical method where sample size is not fixed in advance; data is evaluated as collected.

Response Unit Hypothesis

Suggests behaviors can be grouped into units that are acquired or extinguished as a whole.