Match the type of reinforcement schedule with its definition. 1\. Reinforcement occurs a. fixed-ratio after a set time period. b. variable-interval 2\. Reinforcement occurs c. fixed-interval after a set number of d. variable-ratio responses. 3\. Reinforcement occurs after a varying time period. 4\. Reinforcement occurs after a varying number of responses.

Understanding the concept of fixed-ratio reinforcement can greatly help students demystify how certain behaviors are learned and maintained. This type of reinforcement schedule is based on a clear and consistent 'set number of responses.' Imagine a student being rewarded every fifth time they answer a question correctly in class. The 'fixed' part means that the number of responses required for reinforcement is constant, allowing the student to predict when the reinforcement (like getting extra playtime or a gold star) will occur.
In a psychological context, it is well-documented that such a reinforcement strategy can lead to a high rate of response, as the subject is motivated to reach the threshold that triggers the reward. This can be a very effective learning tool when trying to establish a new behavior or skill. However, it is worth noting that once the reinforcement is removed, the behavior can quickly decrease since the expected reward for the effort is no longer available.

With variable-interval reinforcement, the 'interval' refers to time, and 'variable' indicates that this time span is not fixed and can change unpredictably. This means the reinforcement is given after an unpredictable amount of time has passed, as long as the desired behavior has occurred at least once during that interval. For instance, if a subject receives a positive reinforcement at varying and unpredictable time intervals for showing a specific behavior, they cannot guess when the next reinforcement is coming.
This type of schedule can create a steady, moderate rate of response, since the next reward could theoretically occur at any time, and the subject needs to consistently display the behavior to ensure they don't miss it. In real life, this can be similar to someone checking their email at random times and occasionally finding a message they've been eagerly awaiting. The unpredictability of the interval tends to produce behavior that is quite resistant to extinction, meaning it will continue for a long time even without reinforcement.

Fixed-interval reinforcement schedules are slightly easier to grasp. They deliver reinforcement for the first response after a set period of time since the last reinforcement. Picture a scenario where you receive a paycheck every month; the reinforcement (paycheck) comes after a fixed interval (one month), no matter how much work is done within that time. Similarly, students may be accustomed to the schedule of an exam being set at regular intervals throughout the year, incentivizing them to study as the exam approaches.
With this type of schedule, you often see what is termed the 'scallop effect,' which is characterized by a pattern of responses where there is an increase in behavior just before the reinforcement is expected, followed by a lull right after the reinforcement is given. Over time, the subject may learn to pace their responses in anticipation of the next reinforcement, leading to bursts of activity around the reinforcement intervals.

Variable-ratio reinforcement occurs after an unpredictable number of responses. This is what makes slot machines in casinos so addictive—the player never knows how many pulls of the lever will result in a win. In this kind of reinforcement schedule, the number of responses needed for a reward varies around a mean number, meaning there is no pattern that a person could discern to predict when the reinforcement will be delivered, making this strategy highly resistant to extinction.
This unpredictability tends to create a high and steady rate of response, as the individual is constantly motivated to respond, thinking the next one might be the rewarding one. In educational settings, this kind of reinforcement could be used by varying the number of tasks a student has to complete before earning a break or a reward. This unpredictability encourages consistent effort, as the reward could be just around the corner, leading to a strong and persistent behavior.