Post on 22-Nov-2014
description
Schedules of reinforcement• Refers to the: frequency & manner in which
desired response is reinforced. • Continuous reinforcement - reinforcing every
correct response• Essential during acquisition phase, • Leads to the most rapid acquisition • Once a correct response consistently occurs, a
different reinforcement schedule can be used i.e.• Partial reinforcement – reinforcing some, not all
correct responses
Fixed Ratio• Reinforcement given after a set
(fixed), unvarying # (ratio) of desired responses
• Often used in work for commission or rate of production – e.g. $10 for every 100 newspapers sold
• Produces the fastest response rate and is effective in increasing worker output
• Although response rate is erratic• Less resistant to extinction than
variable ratio
Delivery of food pellet after every fifth pressing of response lever (i.e..
a fixed ratio)
Variable Ratio• Reinforcer given after irregular (variable) # of correct responses
(ratio)• E.g. average of 10 for every 100 correct responses – but randomly
given• Produces a steady response rate• More effective than fixed ratio, because of uncertainty of
reinforcement• More resistant to extinction than Fixed ratio
e.g. poker machines
Fixed interval• Delivery of reinforcer after set
period of time after correct response made.
• Produces erratic response rate • i.e. high the time just before
reinforcer is due; low the time just after that.
• E.g. getting paid $10 per hour worked
• Less resistant to extinction that variable interval
Variable interval• Reinforcer given after irregular
(variable) periods after correct response (e.g. on average every 10 sec’s – but with variations from 4 to 16 sec’s)
• Results in a low but steady response rate
• More resistant to extinction than fixed interval
Partial Schedules of Reinforcement summary