What Are the Four Schedules of Reinforcement? Describe Each and Provide

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(1)In a fixed ratio (FR)schedule,we provide reinforcement after a regular number of responses.For example,on an FR 15 schedule,we give a rat a food pellet for every 15 lever presses.Likewise,you might earn a dollar for every three bushels of apples you pick in an orchard.
(2)In a fixed interval (FI)schedule,we provide reinforcement for the first response after a specified amount of time has passed.For example,on an FI two-minute schedule,we give the rat a food pellet for the first lever press it makes after two minutes have elapsed since the last food pellet.Any lever presses that it makes during the two-minute period will be ineffective.Likewise,we will get to talk to a customer service representative when we call the store after it opens one hour from now,but any phone calls before it opens will be ineffective.
(3)In a variable ratio (VR)schedule,we provide reinforcement for a variable number of responses,with the number varying randomly around some average.A pigeon on a VR 10 schedule might receive a piece of bird feed after six pecks,then after 12 pecks,then after one peck,then after 21 pecks,with the average ratio being 10.
(4)In a variable interval (VI)schedule,we provide reinforcement for the first response after a variable time interval,with the actual intervals varying randomly around some average.For example,on a VI 60-second schedule,we could give the rat a food pellet for the first response after a 20-second interval,then after an 80-second interval,then after a 50-second interval,then after a 90-second interval,with the average interval being 60 seconds.

What Are the Four Schedules of Reinforcement? Describe Each and Provide

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