What type of reinforcement schedule provides reinforcement after a set number of responses?

The type of reinforcement schedule that provides reinforcement after a set number of responses is called a Fixed Ratio schedule. In this schedule, a specific number of responses must be completed before reinforcement is delivered. For example, if a behavior is reinforced after every fifth response, this represents a fixed ratio of five.

This type of schedule often leads to a high rate of responding, as individuals tend to work quickly to reach the required number of responses to obtain the reward. This efficiency is characteristic because the reinforcement is predictable; once the required number is achieved, they receive their reward.

In contrast, other schedules, like variable ratio or fixed interval, do not adhere to a consistent response requirement, which may yield different patterns of behavior. For instance, variable ratio schedules provide reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, leading to steady rates of response, but without the certainty found in fixed ratio schedules. Fixed interval schedules provide reinforcement after a specific amount of time has passed, regardless of the number of responses made, producing a different response pattern. Finally, variable interval schedules deliver reinforcement after varying lengths of time, which also affects how behaviors are reinforced. Understanding these differences helps to clarify why fixed ratio schedules create a distinct and efficient reinforcing situation based on the number of responses.