{"id":535,"date":"2023-03-03T19:13:10","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T19:13:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/reading-reinforcement-schedules\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T14:00:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T14:00:11","slug":"reading-reinforcement-schedules","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/reading-reinforcement-schedules\/","title":{"raw":"Reinforcement: Learn It 3\u2014 Reinforcement Schedules","rendered":"Reinforcement: Learn It 3\u2014 Reinforcement Schedules"},"content":{"raw":"<h2><b>Reinforcement Schedules<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach a new behavior, but <i>how<\/i> reinforcement is delivered matters just as much as <i>what<\/i> the reward is. B. F. Skinner discovered that different reinforcement schedules lead to very different patterns of learning, motivation, and persistence.<\/p>\r\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\r\n<h3>continuous reinforcement<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Continuous reinforcement occurs when a behavior is reinforced every single time it is performed. <i><\/i>This schedule is:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Best for teaching new behaviors<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Fastest for building a strong connection<span class=\"s1\"> between behavior and reward<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Most effective when reinforcement happens immediately<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">For example: When training a dog to sit, you give a treat <i>every time<\/i> it successfully sits. The dog quickly learns that \u201csit \u2192 treat.\u201d Once the behavior is learned, however, continuous reinforcement becomes inefficient\u2014and easy to extinguish\u2014so trainers typically switch to a different schedule.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\r\n<h3>partial reinforcement<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">In partial reinforcement, the behavior is reinforced only some of the time. <i><\/i>Partial reinforcement is more realistic in everyday life. We don\u2019t get praised for every assignment, every good decision, or every correct answer\u2014and yet we keep trying.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">These schedules differ based on:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Interval vs. ratio<\/b><\/span> \u2192 Is reinforcement based on <i>time<\/i> or <i>number of responses<\/i>?<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Fixed vs. variable<\/b><\/span> \u2192 Is the schedule <i>predictable<\/i> or <i>unpredictable<\/i>?<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2>Schedules of Reinforcement<\/h2>\r\n<h3><b>1. Fixed Interval (FI)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior is reinforced after a set amount of time has passed. For example, <i><\/i>Maria can watch one episode of her favorite show if she practices the piano for<span class=\"s2\"><b> one hour.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Moderate response rate<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Noticeable \u201cpause\u201d after reinforcement<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">\u201cScalloped\u201d pattern (work increases as the reward time approaches)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Weekly paychecks<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Scheduled quizzes<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Office hours that open at a set time<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>2. Variable Interval (VI)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior is reinforced after varying, unpredictable time intervals. For e<i><\/i>xample, a\u00a0restaurant crew earns a $20 bonus whenever a surprise quality-control inspector arrives. Because they never know when the inspector will show up, they keep the restaurant clean and service fast <i>all the time<\/i>.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Steady, moderate response rate<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">No predictable pauses<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Strong long-term maintenance<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Pop quizzes<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Checking email or messages<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Random performance checks<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>3. Fixed Ratio (FR)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Reinforcement is delivered after a predictable number of responses. For e<i><\/i>xample, a salesperson earns a commission for <span class=\"s2\"><b>every five pairs of glasses<\/b><\/span> they sell. This encourages lots of sales\u2014though not necessarily high-quality ones.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">High response rate<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Short pause after reinforcement (\u201cpost-reinforcement break\u201d)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Piece-rate work<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Buy-10-get-1-free cards<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Completing sets (e.g., 20 practice questions = bonus points)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>4. Variable Ratio (VR)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Reinforcement occurs after an unpredictable number of responses. <i><\/i>This is the <span class=\"s2\"><b>most powerful<\/b><\/span> schedule\u2014and the most resistant to extinction. For example, slot machines in Vegas operate on a VR schedule. You never know when the next pull will pay off, so you keep playing\u2014even after losses.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Very high, steady response rate<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">No predictable pauses<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Extremely difficult to extinguish<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Gambling<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Video game loot boxes<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"p1\">Social media (posting for unpredictable \u201clikes\u201d)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<section class=\"textbox example\" aria-label=\"Example\">\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Variable Ratio Gambling<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Imagine that Sarah visits Las Vegas for the first time. She is not a gambler, but out of curiosity, she puts a quarter into the slot machine, and then another, and another. Nothing happens. Two dollars in quarters later, her curiosity is fading, and she is just about to quit. But then, the machine lights up, bells go off, and Sarah gets 50 quarters back. That\u2019s more like it! Sarah gets back to inserting quarters with renewed interest, and a few minutes later, she has used up all her gains and is $10 in the hole. Now might be a sensible time to quit. And yet, she keeps putting money into the slot machine because she never knows when the next reinforcement is coming. She keeps thinking that with the next quarter she could win $50, or $100, or even more. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In this scenario, the reinforcement occurs after a seemingly random number of instances of the desired behavior.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"> Because the reinforcement schedule in most types of gambling has a variable ratio schedule, people keep trying and hoping that the next time they will win big. This is one of the reasons that gambling is so addictive\u2014and so resistant to extinction.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\">\r\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\r\n<h3>reinforcement schedules<\/h3>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<table summary=\"This table has four columns and five rows. The first row is a header row with these headings: \u201creinforcement schedule,\u201d \u201cdescription,\u201d \u201cresult,\u201d and \u201cexample.\u201d Row 1 is labeled \u201cfixed interval\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered at predictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes)\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cModerate response rate with significant pauses after reinforcement\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cHospital patient uses patient-controlled, doctor-timed pain relief.\u201d Row 2 is labeled \u201cfixed interval\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered at unpredictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 7, 10, and 20 minutes)\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cModerate yet steady response rate\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cChecking Facebook.\u201d Row 3 is labeled \u201cfixed ratio\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered after a predictable number of responses (e.g., after 2, 4, 6, and 8 responses)\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cHigh response rate with pauses after reinforcement\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cPiecework\u2014factory worker getting paid for every x number of items manufactured.\u201d Row 4 is labeled \u201cvariable ratio\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses (e.g., after 1, 4, 5, and 9 responses).\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cHigh and steady response rate\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cGambling.\u201d\">\r\n<caption>Table 1. Reinforcement Schedules<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Reinforcement Schedule<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Description<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Result<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Example<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Fixed interval<\/td>\r\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered at predictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes).<\/td>\r\n<td>Moderate response rate with significant pauses after reinforcement<\/td>\r\n<td>Reward for practice time<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Variable interval<\/td>\r\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered at unpredictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 7, 10, and 20 minutes).<\/td>\r\n<td>Moderate yet steady response rate<\/td>\r\n<td>Random quality checks<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Fixed ratio<\/td>\r\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered after a predictable number of responses (e.g., after 2, 4, 6, and 8 responses).<\/td>\r\n<td>High response rate with pauses after reinforcement<\/td>\r\n<td>Piecework\u2014factory worker getting paid for every x number of items manufactured<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Variable ratio<\/td>\r\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses (e.g., after 1, 4, 5, and 9 responses).<\/td>\r\n<td>High and steady response rate<\/td>\r\n<td>Gambling<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\">\r\n<div>\r\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\">[ohm2_question height=\"1200\"]4229[\/ohm2_question]<\/section>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2><b>Acquisition and Extinction in Operant Conditioning<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"p1\">Just like in classical conditioning, behaviors in operant conditioning follow predictable phases:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>During the <strong>acquisition<\/strong> phase of operant conditioning, the organism learns to associate its behavior with a specific consequence. Once the behavior is acquired, subsequent processes such as maintenance, generalization, and extinction come into play.\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Maintenance<\/strong> refers to the continued performance of the behavior over time.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Generalization<\/strong> involves applying the learned behavior to similar situations or stimuli.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Extinction<\/strong> occurs when the behavior decreases or disappears due to the lack of reinforcement.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In operant conditioning, extinction of a reinforced behavior occurs at some point after reinforcement stops, and the speed at which this happens depends on the reinforcement schedule. In a variable ratio schedule, the point of extinction comes very slowly, as described above. But in the other reinforcement schedules, extinction may come quickly. Among the reinforcement schedules, variable ratio is the most productive and the most resistant to extinction. Fixed interval is the least productive and the easiest to extinguish (Figure 1).<\/p>\r\n<figure>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"646\"]<img class=\"wp-image-6782\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2016\/11\/30165008\/ea1c52f0df8e41b841c11f16dc0c6c78c55a6123.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"646\" height=\"369\" \/> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. The four reinforcement schedules yield different response patterns. The variable ratio schedule is unpredictable and yields high and steady response rates, with little if any pause after reinforcement (e.g., gambler). 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). The fixed interval schedule yields a scallop-shaped response pattern, reflecting a significant pause after reinforcement (e.g., piano student).[\/caption]\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/section>","rendered":"<h2><b>Reinforcement Schedules<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach a new behavior, but <i>how<\/i> reinforcement is delivered matters just as much as <i>what<\/i> the reward is. B. F. Skinner discovered that different reinforcement schedules lead to very different patterns of learning, motivation, and persistence.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\n<h3>continuous reinforcement<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\">Continuous reinforcement occurs when a behavior is reinforced every single time it is performed. <i><\/i>This schedule is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Best for teaching new behaviors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Fastest for building a strong connection<span class=\"s1\"> between behavior and reward<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Most effective when reinforcement happens immediately<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">For example: When training a dog to sit, you give a treat <i>every time<\/i> it successfully sits. The dog quickly learns that \u201csit \u2192 treat.\u201d Once the behavior is learned, however, continuous reinforcement becomes inefficient\u2014and easy to extinguish\u2014so trainers typically switch to a different schedule.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\n<h3>partial reinforcement<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\">In partial reinforcement, the behavior is reinforced only some of the time. <i><\/i>Partial reinforcement is more realistic in everyday life. We don\u2019t get praised for every assignment, every good decision, or every correct answer\u2014and yet we keep trying.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">These schedules differ based on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Interval vs. ratio<\/b><\/span> \u2192 Is reinforcement based on <i>time<\/i> or <i>number of responses<\/i>?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Fixed vs. variable<\/b><\/span> \u2192 Is the schedule <i>predictable<\/i> or <i>unpredictable<\/i>?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<h2>Schedules of Reinforcement<\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Fixed Interval (FI)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior is reinforced after a set amount of time has passed. For example, <i><\/i>Maria can watch one episode of her favorite show if she practices the piano for<span class=\"s2\"><b> one hour.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Moderate response rate<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Noticeable \u201cpause\u201d after reinforcement<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">\u201cScalloped\u201d pattern (work increases as the reward time approaches)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Weekly paychecks<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Scheduled quizzes<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Office hours that open at a set time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. Variable Interval (VI)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior is reinforced after varying, unpredictable time intervals. For e<i><\/i>xample, a\u00a0restaurant crew earns a $20 bonus whenever a surprise quality-control inspector arrives. Because they never know when the inspector will show up, they keep the restaurant clean and service fast <i>all the time<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Steady, moderate response rate<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">No predictable pauses<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Strong long-term maintenance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Pop quizzes<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Checking email or messages<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Random performance checks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. Fixed Ratio (FR)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p3\">Reinforcement is delivered after a predictable number of responses. For e<i><\/i>xample, a salesperson earns a commission for <span class=\"s2\"><b>every five pairs of glasses<\/b><\/span> they sell. This encourages lots of sales\u2014though not necessarily high-quality ones.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">High response rate<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Short pause after reinforcement (\u201cpost-reinforcement break\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Piece-rate work<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Buy-10-get-1-free cards<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Completing sets (e.g., 20 practice questions = bonus points)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>4. Variable Ratio (VR)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p3\">Reinforcement occurs after an unpredictable number of responses. <i><\/i>This is the <span class=\"s2\"><b>most powerful<\/b><\/span> schedule\u2014and the most resistant to extinction. For example, slot machines in Vegas operate on a VR schedule. You never know when the next pull will pay off, so you keep playing\u2014even after losses.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\">Behavior pattern:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Very high, steady response rate<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">No predictable pauses<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Extremely difficult to extinguish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\">Common in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Gambling<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Video game loot boxes<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Social media (posting for unpredictable \u201clikes\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"textbox example\" aria-label=\"Example\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Variable Ratio Gambling<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Imagine that Sarah visits Las Vegas for the first time. She is not a gambler, but out of curiosity, she puts a quarter into the slot machine, and then another, and another. Nothing happens. Two dollars in quarters later, her curiosity is fading, and she is just about to quit. But then, the machine lights up, bells go off, and Sarah gets 50 quarters back. That\u2019s more like it! Sarah gets back to inserting quarters with renewed interest, and a few minutes later, she has used up all her gains and is $10 in the hole. Now might be a sensible time to quit. And yet, she keeps putting money into the slot machine because she never knows when the next reinforcement is coming. She keeps thinking that with the next quarter she could win $50, or $100, or even more. <\/p>\n<p><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In this scenario, the reinforcement occurs after a seemingly random number of instances of the desired behavior.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"> Because the reinforcement schedule in most types of gambling has a variable ratio schedule, people keep trying and hoping that the next time they will win big. This is one of the reasons that gambling is so addictive\u2014and so resistant to extinction.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\">\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\n<h3>reinforcement schedules<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table summary=\"This table has four columns and five rows. The first row is a header row with these headings: \u201creinforcement schedule,\u201d \u201cdescription,\u201d \u201cresult,\u201d and \u201cexample.\u201d Row 1 is labeled \u201cfixed interval\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered at predictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes)\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cModerate response rate with significant pauses after reinforcement\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cHospital patient uses patient-controlled, doctor-timed pain relief.\u201d Row 2 is labeled \u201cfixed interval\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered at unpredictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 7, 10, and 20 minutes)\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cModerate yet steady response rate\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cChecking Facebook.\u201d Row 3 is labeled \u201cfixed ratio\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered after a predictable number of responses (e.g., after 2, 4, 6, and 8 responses)\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cHigh response rate with pauses after reinforcement\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cPiecework\u2014factory worker getting paid for every x number of items manufactured.\u201d Row 4 is labeled \u201cvariable ratio\u201d; the \u201cdescription\u201d reads \u201cReinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses (e.g., after 1, 4, 5, and 9 responses).\u201d; the \u201cresult\u201d reads \u201cHigh and steady response rate\u201d; the \u201cexample\u201d reads \u201cGambling.\u201d\">\n<caption>Table 1. Reinforcement Schedules<\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\">Reinforcement Schedule<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Description<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Result<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Example<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Fixed interval<\/td>\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered at predictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes).<\/td>\n<td>Moderate response rate with significant pauses after reinforcement<\/td>\n<td>Reward for practice time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Variable interval<\/td>\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered at unpredictable time intervals (e.g., after 5, 7, 10, and 20 minutes).<\/td>\n<td>Moderate yet steady response rate<\/td>\n<td>Random quality checks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fixed ratio<\/td>\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered after a predictable number of responses (e.g., after 2, 4, 6, and 8 responses).<\/td>\n<td>High response rate with pauses after reinforcement<\/td>\n<td>Piecework\u2014factory worker getting paid for every x number of items manufactured<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Variable ratio<\/td>\n<td>Reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses (e.g., after 1, 4, 5, and 9 responses).<\/td>\n<td>High and steady response rate<\/td>\n<td>Gambling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\">\n<div>\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"ohm4229\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/ohm.one.lumenlearning.com\/multiembedq.php?id=4229&theme=lumen&iframe_resize_id=ohm4229&source=tnh&show_question_numbers\" width=\"100%\" height=\"1200\"><\/iframe><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>Acquisition and Extinction in Operant Conditioning<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">Just like in classical conditioning, behaviors in operant conditioning follow predictable phases:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>During the <strong>acquisition<\/strong> phase of operant conditioning, the organism learns to associate its behavior with a specific consequence. Once the behavior is acquired, subsequent processes such as maintenance, generalization, and extinction come into play.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Maintenance<\/strong> refers to the continued performance of the behavior over time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Generalization<\/strong> involves applying the learned behavior to similar situations or stimuli.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extinction<\/strong> occurs when the behavior decreases or disappears due to the lack of reinforcement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In operant conditioning, extinction of a reinforced behavior occurs at some point after reinforcement stops, and the speed at which this happens depends on the reinforcement schedule. In a variable ratio schedule, the point of extinction comes very slowly, as described above. But in the other reinforcement schedules, extinction may come quickly. Among the reinforcement schedules, variable ratio is the most productive and the most resistant to extinction. Fixed interval is the least productive and the easiest to extinguish (Figure 1).<\/p>\n<figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6782\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6782\" style=\"width: 646px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6782\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2016\/11\/30165008\/ea1c52f0df8e41b841c11f16dc0c6c78c55a6123.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"646\" height=\"369\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6782\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. The four reinforcement schedules yield different response patterns. The variable ratio schedule is unpredictable and yields high and steady response rates, with little if any pause after reinforcement (e.g., gambler). 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). The fixed interval schedule yields a scallop-shaped response pattern, reflecting a significant pause after reinforcement (e.g., piano student).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"menu_order":22,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Operant Conditioning\",\"author\":\"OpenStax College\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/6-3-operant-conditioning\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction\"},{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Modification and original content\",\"author\":\"Jennifer Hejazi for Lumen Learning\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Modification and adaptation, addition of tutorial\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"other\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"part":512,"module-header":"learn_it","content_attributions":[{"type":"cc","description":"Operant Conditioning","author":"OpenStax College","organization":"","url":"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/6-3-operant-conditioning","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":"Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction"},{"type":"original","description":"Modification and original content","author":"Jennifer Hejazi for Lumen Learning","organization":"Lumen Learning","url":"","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":""},{"type":"original","description":"Modification and adaptation, addition of tutorial","author":"","organization":"Lumen Learning","url":"","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":""},{"type":"original","description":"","author":"","organization":"","url":"","project":"","license":"other","license_terms":""}],"internal_book_links":[],"video_content":null,"cc_video_embed_content":{"cc_scripts":"","media_targets":[]},"try_it_collection":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/535"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/535\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7291,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/535\/revisions\/7291"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/512"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/535\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=535"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=535"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=535"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}