Overview
The lecture explains the four partial reinforcement schedules in operant conditioning, highlighting their definitions, examples, and effects on learned behaviors.
Partial Reinforcement Schedules Overview
- Partial reinforcement means a behavior is reinforced only some of the time, not continuously.
- Partial schedules are more resistant to extinction than continuous reinforcement.
- B.F. Skinner discovered these schedules through experiments with animals, but they also apply to humans.
- The four schedules are based on "ratio" (amount of responses) and "interval" (time), each being either fixed (consistent) or variable (changing).
Fixed Ratio Schedule
- Reinforcement occurs after a fixed number of responses (e.g., a bonus for every five cars sold).
- Leads to a high rate of responding since reward depends on behavior frequency.
- Common in jobs that encourage fast-paced work, like factory piecework.
Fixed Interval Schedule
- Reinforcement is given after a fixed amount of time has passed (e.g., paycheck every two weeks).
- Rate of responding tends to be slower because reward depends on time, not action frequency.
- Example: Car salesman paid every two weeks regardless of cars sold within that interval.
Variable Ratio Schedule
- Reinforcement is given after a changing number of responses, but with a set average (e.g., slot machines).
- Number of required responses varies, leading to high and steady response rates due to unpredictability.
- Tends to produce the highest resistance to extinction.
Variable Interval Schedule
- Reinforcement is given after a variable amount of time has passed (e.g., random supervisor check-ins).
- The timing of reinforcement is unpredictable, so moderate and steady response rates are maintained.
- Reward depends on being engaged at unpredictable moments.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Partial Reinforcement — reinforcing a behavior only some of the time.
- Ratio Schedule — based on the number of responses performed.
- Interval Schedule — based on the passage of time.
- Fixed — reinforcement occurs at consistent or predictable intervals or ratios.
- Variable — reinforcement occurs at unpredictable intervals or ratios.
- Extinction — the reduction of learned behavior when reinforcement stops.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Identify real-life examples of each reinforcement schedule in your own experiences.
- Review textbook sections on operant conditioning and reinforcement schedules.