Martes 15/02

C H A P T E R 5: schedules of reinforcement (SR)

Schedules of reinforcement> states how and when discriminative stimuli and behavioral
consequences will be presented.

Every single action you do is a choice

- Can also be described as a rule specifying the environmental arrangements and response
for reinforcement.

Notes:

- They are everywhere throughout our lives and their effects constantly are seen on our
behavior.
- It is difficult to determine which schedule effect is impact which response class.
- Sr affect the rate and temporal pattern of behavior
- Sr determine resistance to extinction

Sr: patterns of Responding

- Explanation
- Process
- Steady-state performed defined

Mo, r= response; c=consequence

Natural contingency> everyday behavior in the environment is reinforced on an intermitted

basis. That is, operants are reinforced only occasionally rather than every time they are emitted.

SR: continuous and Intermittent

Basis schedules: types (response and time)

- Fixed ratio - Fixed interval

- Variable ratio - Variable interval
- Progressive ratio - Fixed time
- Random ratio - Variable time

Fixed ratio vs. fixed interval

- Variable ratio vs. variable internal

Basic schedules: ratio and interval

 - Interval= time and response based and have a response requirement
- Time= you wait this amount of time and you are rewarded

Fixed schedules vs. variable schedules

Ratio schedules: fixed ratio or FR

- Fixed ratio definition> schedule is programmed to deliver reinforcement after a fixed

number of responses is made.
- Continuous reinforcement is FR1

Example: some businesses pay employees only after a certain amount of tasks are
completed (i.e., 15 pieces of equipment are made = FR 15)

They have 2 sight effect:

1. Post reinforcement pause> the pause in responding that occurs after reinforcement on
some intermittent schedules.

Ratio schedules: variable ratio> schedules are similar to FRs except that the number of
responses required for reinforcement changes after each

Interval schedule: Fixed Interval

 On fixed-interval schedules, an operant is reinforced after a fixed amount of time has

passed.

Example:
 Jueves 17/02

Ratio shedules: Fixed ratio: schedule effects

Interval schedules: Fixed Interval

Defined> on fixed-interval schedules, an operant is reinforced after a fixed amount of time has
passed.

Ex: on a fixed-interval 90-second schedule, one bar press after 90 seconds results in
reinforcement

Features:

- Some
- Some

Image here

Interval schedules: Variable Interval

Defined: on vi, schedules responses are reinforced after a variable amount of time has passed.

Feature:

- VI contingencies are common in everyday life

Interval schedules: variable interval: contingencies

Ex: calling FIU and being put on hold for 15 min until “the next available representative” can
get to you.

Limited-hold contingency – a reinforcer is available for set time after a variable interval

- When this is added to a VI schedule, it increases the rate of responding by reinforcing

short interresponse times (IRTs)

Interv s: variable ratio: schedule effects

Progressive ratio schedule

Defined: a schedule where the number of responses (ratio) increased (or decreases) after
reinforcement.

In a PR schedule, the response requirements for reinforcement are increased systematically over
time independent of the participant’s behavior.
Gradually, more responses are required per presentation of the stimulus until a breaking point is
reached and the response rate declines.

Often times used in selfcontrol interventions.

Schedule effects issues

Notes:

Schedule performance in transition

Transition state performance defined> early performance on a schedule is referred to as

transition-state performance.

Ex.

- Transitions in schedules occur in major life events (i.e., divorce)

o Following a divorce, a shift in contingency of reinforcement take place
o Feeling of depression and loneliness may be produced by ratio strain and
extinction.
- Features
o When an organism is initially placed on a schedule of reinforcement, behavior
pattern are typically not consistent or regular.