Fixed and variable, ratio and interval schedules and their effects

What this note covers

1. Schedules specify when reinforcement becomes available
2. Fixed-ratio schedules reinforce a set response count
3. Variable-ratio schedules reinforce an unpredictable count
4. Fixed-interval schedules reinforce after predictable time
5. Variable-interval schedules reinforce after changing times
6. Compare schedules through matched examples and data
7. Design schedules for welfare rather than exploitation
8. Identifying schedules from event records

8 sections · 10 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes