Transcript Schedules of Reinforcement Powerpoint

Operant Conditioning:
Schedules and Theories
Of Reinforcement
Now that we have discussed
punishment and reinforcement. . .
It is time to discuss just HOW
reinforcements can and should be
delivered
In other words, there are other things to
consider than just WHAT the reinforcer
should be!
Think about this!
If you were going to reinforce your
puppy for going to the bathroom
outside, how would you do it?
Would you give him a Milk Bone every
time? Some of the time?
 Would you keep doing it the same way or
would you change your method as you go
along?

What is a schedule of
reinforcement?
A schedule of reinforcement is the
response requirement that must be met
in order to obtain reinforcement.

In other words, it is what you have to do to
get the goodies!
Continuous vs. Partial
Reinforcement
Continuous

A continuous
reinforcement
schedule is one in
which each specified
response is
reinforced
Partial

A partial
reinforcement
schedule is one in
which only some
responses are
reinforced
Partial Reinforcement
Schedules
When you want to
reinforce based on a
certain number of
responses
occurring (for
example, doing a
certain number of
math problems
correctly), you can
use a ratio schedule
When you want to
reinforce the first
response after a
certain amount of
time has passed
(for example when a
teacher gives a
midterm test), you
can use an interval
schedule
Four Types of Partial
Schedules
Ratio Schedules
Interval Schedules

Fixed Ratio

Fixed Interval

Variable Ratio

Variable Interval
Fixed Ratio Schedule
On a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is
contingent upon a fixed, predictable
number of responses

Characteristic pattern:



High rate of response
Short pause following each reinforcer
Reading a chapter then taking a break is an
example

A good strategy for “getting started” is to start with an
easy task
Fixed Ratio: FR
Fixed Ratio is abbreviated “FR” and a
number showing how many responses
must be made to get the reinforcer is
added:

Ex. FR 5 (5 responses needed to get a
reinforcer)
Variable Ratio Schedule
On a variable ratio schedule, reinforcement
is contingent upon a varying, unpredictable
number of responses

Characteristic pattern:



High and steady rate of response
Little or no post-reinforcer pausing
Hunting, fishing, golfing, shooting hoops, and
telemarketing are examples of behaviors on this
type of schedule
Variable Ratio: VR
Variable Ratio: VR
Variable Ratio is abbreviated “VR” and a
number showing an average of how many
responses between 1 and 100 must be made
to get the reinforcer is added:

Ex. VR 50 (an average of 50 responses needed to
get a reinforcer – could the the next try, or it could
take 72!

Gambling is the classic example!
Fixed Interval Schedules
On a fixed interval schedule, reinforcement
is contingent upon the first response after a
fixed, predictable period of time


Glancing at your watch during class provides an
example!
The mailman delivering your mail at a specific time
every day.
Fixed Interval: FI
Fixed Interval is abbreviated “FI” and a
number showing how much time must
pass before the reinforcer is available:

FI 30-min (reinforcement is available for
the first response after 30 minutes have
passed)

Ex. Looking down the tracks for the train if it
comes every 30 minutes
Variable Interval Schedule
On a variable interval schedule,
reinforcement is contingent upon the first
response after a varying, unpredictable
period of time

Characteristic pattern:


A moderate, steady rate of response with little or no postreinforcement pause.
Looking down the street for the bus if you are
waiting and have no idea how often it comes
provides an example!
Variable Interval: VI
Variable Interval is abbreviated “VI” and a
number showing the average time interval
that must pass before the reinforcer is
available:

VI 30-min (reinforcement is available for the first
response after an average of 30 minutes has
passed)

Ex. Hilary’s boyfriend, Michael, gets out of school and
turns on his phone some time between 3:00 and 3:30 –
the “reward” of his answering his phone puts her calling
behavior on a VI schedule, so she calls every few
minutes until he answers