When reinforcement arrives
Compare schedules based on response counts with schedules based on elapsed time.
The picture in words
- Ratio schedules
- Eligibility depends on a number of responses.
- Interval schedules
- The first eligible response after time has elapsed is reinforced.
- Fixed and variable
- The required count or interval may stay constant or vary.
Reading the illustration
Read across for fixed versus varying requirements, and down for response count versus elapsed time. Interval schedules reinforce the first eligible response after the interval.
Try a question
Why does an interval schedule still involve a response?
Show the explanation
Time makes reinforcement available under the schedule, and an eligible response produces it. The consequence remains connected with responding.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/6-3-operant-conditioningSelected rendered passages: Four-cell definitions, reinforcement/punishment, shaping; schedule definitions.