Schedules of Reinforcement - Cheat Sheet

Flashcards covering the core rules, definitions, examples, and response patterns for the four schedules of reinforcement: Fixed Ratio, Variable Ratio, Fixed Interval, and Variable Interval.

In reinforcement schedules, if the reward is based on behaviors or actions, the schedule is a __________.

Ratio

When a schedule is based on time, such as seconds, minutes, or hours, it is classified as an __________.

Interval

If the requirement for reinforcement is the same every time (constant or set), it is a __________ schedule.

Fixed

If the requirement for reinforcement changes or is based on an average, it is a __________ schedule.

Variable

A __________ schedule is based on behaviors and is the same every time, such as getting a token for every $5$ correct answers.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

The responding pattern for a Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule looks like fast responding followed by a __________ after the reward.

short pause

A __________ schedule is based on behaviors but the number of required responses changes (average), like rewards given on average every $5$ responses.

Variable Ratio (VR)

The responding pattern for a Variable Ratio (VR) schedule is characterized as __________ responding with no pauses.

very high, steady

A __________ schedule is based on time and is the same every time, such as praise for the first correct response after every $5\,min$.

Fixed Interval (FI)

The response pattern for a Fixed Interval (FI) schedule is known as a __________ pattern, where behavior is slow then speeds up.

scalloped

A __________ schedule is based on time but the duration changes (average), such as praise for the first correct response on average every $3\,min$.

Variable Interval (VI)

A Variable Interval (VI) schedule produces a __________, steady, and consistent responding pattern.

moderate

To identify a schedule fast, Step 1 is to ask if it is about __________ or __________.

actions; time

To identify a schedule fast, Step 2 is to ask if the requirement is always the __________ or if it __________.

same; changes

Matching the components: Average/Changing + Time results in a __________ schedule.

Variable Interval (VI)

Matching the components: Constant/Same + Actions results in a __________ schedule.

Fixed Ratio (FR)