A progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement is defined by an increasing response requirement for reinforcer delivery over successive sessions (DeLeon et al. 1997), or trial-by-trial basis within a single session (Hodos 1961; Roane 2008).
What is a progressive ratio schedule in psychology?
The number of required responses increases after each presented reinforcement. Most commonly the number of responses increase in set increments between reinforcements. PROGRESSIVE-RATIO SCHEDULE: "A progressive ratio schedule deals with increasing responses between reinforcers."
What is progressive ratio schedule in ABA?
PROGRESSIVE-RATIO SCHEDULE. The number of required responses increases after each presented reinforcement. Most commonly the number of responses increase in set increments between reinforcements. PROGRESSIVE-RATIO SCHEDULE: "A progressive ratio schedule deals with increasing responses between reinforcers.".
What is progressive-ratio schedule?
PROGRESSIVE-RATIO SCHEDULE. A schedule of reinforcement in which a reinforcer is only presented upon the completion of a set number of responses. The number of required responses increases after each presented reinforcement. Most commonly the number of responses increase in set increments between reinforcements. PROGRESSIVE-RATIO SCHEDULE: "A...
What is progressive ratio (PR)?
Under Progressive Ratio (PR) schedules the requirements for reinforcement are increased systematically, usually after each reinforcer.
What is a progressive ratio schedule in a reinforcer assessment?
A progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement is defined by an increasing response requirement for reinforcer delivery over successive sessions (DeLeon et al. 1997), or trial-by-trial basis within a single session (Hodos 1961; Roane 2008).
What is an example of a progressive schedule of reinforcement?
A schedule of delivering reinforcement in which the number of correct responses required before reinforcer delivery gradually increases. For example, a student might get a candy completing 3 math problems correctly, then be required to solve 5 math problems correctly for a candy, then seven corrects etc.
What does progressive ratio measure?
A commonly used measure of reward strength is an operant procedure known as the progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. 4,5. In the PR task, the subject is required to make an increasing number of operant responses for each successive reward.
What is an example of ratio schedule?
Ratio schedules involve reinforcement after an average number of responses have occurred. For example, the Fire Chief Rabbit's lever pulling, which made it appear that it was operating the fire truck, was reinforced on a variable-ratio schedule. Reinforcement occurred after an average of 3 pulls on the lever.
What are the 4 types of reinforcement schedules?
These four schedules of reinforcement are sometimes referred to as FR, VR, FI, and VI—which stands for fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, and variable-interval.
What is an example of a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement?
In operant conditioning, a variable-ratio schedule is a partial schedule of reinforcement in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. 1 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.
What is a concurrent schedule of reinforcement?
Concurrent schedule A reinforcement procedure in which the participant can choose to respond on one of two or more simple reinforcement schedules that are available simultaneously. Concurrent schedules allow for the measurement of choice between simple schedule alternatives.
What is the main difference between a fixed schedule and a variable one?
A fixed ratio schedule is predictable and produces a high response rate, with a short pause after reinforcement (e.g., eyeglass saleswoman). The variable interval schedule is unpredictable and produces a moderate, steady response rate (e.g., restaurant manager).
What is a fixed ratio?
Fixed ratio is a schedule of reinforcement. In this schedule reinforcement is delivered after the completion of a number of responses. The required number of responses remains constant. … This ratio requirement (number of responses to produce reinforcement) is conceptualized as a response unit.
What are the two forms of ratio schedules?
Two types of ratio reinforcement schedules may be used: fixed and variable.Variable.Fixed interval.Variable Ratio.Fixed Ratio.
What is an example of a fixed interval schedule?
A weekly paycheck is a good example of a fixed-interval schedule. The employee receives reinforcement every seven days, which may result in a higher response rate as payday approaches. Dental exams also take place on a fixed-interval schedule.
What is a fixed ratio schedule in psychology?
In operant conditioning, a fixed-ratio schedule is a schedule of reinforcement where a response is reinforced only after a specified number of responses. Essentially, the subject provides a set number of responses, then the trainer offers a reward.
How the Fixed-Ratio Schedule Works
The fixed-ratio schedule can be understood by looking at the term itself. Fixed refers to the delivery of rewards on a consistent schedule. Ratio refers to the number of responses that are required in order to receive reinforcement. For example, a fixed-ratio schedule might be delivery a reward for every fifth response.
Examples of Fixed-Ratio Schedules
Production Line Work: Workers at a widget factory are paid for every 15 widgets they make. This results in a high production rate and workers tend to take few breaks. It can, however, lead to burnout and lower-quality work.
A Word From Verywell
A fixed-ratio schedule can be a useful approach to certain situations that utilize operant conditioning. 1 When choosing a schedule, however, it is important to think about factors such as how frequently you want the subject to respond and how often you want to provide a reward.
