Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCharacteristicsHow to Identify a Variable-Ratio ScheduleExamples
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Table of Contents
Characteristics
How to Identify a Variable-Ratio Schedule
Examples
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In operant conditioning, a variable-ratio schedule is a partialschedule of reinforcementin which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses.This schedule creates a steady, high rate of response. Gambling and lottery games are good examples of a reward based on a variable-ratio schedule.
Schedules of reinforcement play a central role in theoperant conditioningprocess.The frequency with which a behavior is reinforced can help determine how quickly a response is learned as well as how strong the response might be. Each schedule of reinforcement has its own unique set of characteristics.
Characteristics of Variable-Ratio Schedules
There are three common characteristics of a variable-ratio schedule. They are:
It might also be helpful to contrast the variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement with thefixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement. In a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is provided after a set number of responses.
For example, in a variable-ratio schedule with a VR 5 schedule, an animal might receive a reward for every five responses, on average. One time, the reward would come after three responses, then seven responses, then five responses, and so on. The reinforcement schedule will average out to be rewarded for every five responses, but the actual delivery schedule will remain unpredictable.
In a fixed-ratio schedule, on the other hand, the reinforcement schedule might be set at a FR 5. This would mean that for every five responses, a reward is presented. Where the variable-ratio schedule is unpredictable, the fixed-ratio schedule is set and predictable.
Variable-Ratio ScheduleReinforcement provided after a varying number of responsesDelivery schedule unpredictableExamples include slot machines, door-to-door sales, video gamesFixed-Ratio ScheduleReinforcement provided after a set number of responsesDelivery schedule predictableExamples include production line work, grade card rewards, sales commissions
Variable-Ratio ScheduleReinforcement provided after a varying number of responsesDelivery schedule unpredictableExamples include slot machines, door-to-door sales, video games
Reinforcement provided after a varying number of responses
Delivery schedule unpredictable
Examples include slot machines, door-to-door sales, video games
Fixed-Ratio ScheduleReinforcement provided after a set number of responsesDelivery schedule predictableExamples include production line work, grade card rewards, sales commissions
Reinforcement provided after a set number of responses
Delivery schedule predictable
Examples include production line work, grade card rewards, sales commissions
Variable-Ratio Schedule Examples
What does variable-ratio reinforcement look like in a real-world setting? Here are a few examples to consider.
3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.James RJE, O’Malley C, Tunney RJ.Understanding the psychology of mobile gambling: A behavioural synthesis.Br J Psychol. 2017;108(3):608‐625. doi:10.1111/bjop.12226Comparative Cognition Library University of Iowa.Schedule of reinforcement.Killeen PR, Posadas-Sanchez D, Johansen EB, Thrailkill EA.Progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement [published correction appears in J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009 Apr;35(2):152].J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009;35(1):35‐50. doi:10.1037/a0012497
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.James RJE, O’Malley C, Tunney RJ.Understanding the psychology of mobile gambling: A behavioural synthesis.Br J Psychol. 2017;108(3):608‐625. doi:10.1111/bjop.12226Comparative Cognition Library University of Iowa.Schedule of reinforcement.Killeen PR, Posadas-Sanchez D, Johansen EB, Thrailkill EA.Progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement [published correction appears in J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009 Apr;35(2):152].J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009;35(1):35‐50. doi:10.1037/a0012497
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
James RJE, O’Malley C, Tunney RJ.Understanding the psychology of mobile gambling: A behavioural synthesis.Br J Psychol. 2017;108(3):608‐625. doi:10.1111/bjop.12226Comparative Cognition Library University of Iowa.Schedule of reinforcement.Killeen PR, Posadas-Sanchez D, Johansen EB, Thrailkill EA.Progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement [published correction appears in J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009 Apr;35(2):152].J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009;35(1):35‐50. doi:10.1037/a0012497
James RJE, O’Malley C, Tunney RJ.Understanding the psychology of mobile gambling: A behavioural synthesis.Br J Psychol. 2017;108(3):608‐625. doi:10.1111/bjop.12226
Comparative Cognition Library University of Iowa.Schedule of reinforcement.
Killeen PR, Posadas-Sanchez D, Johansen EB, Thrailkill EA.Progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement [published correction appears in J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009 Apr;35(2):152].J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2009;35(1):35‐50. doi:10.1037/a0012497
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