| Schedule | Effect on Response Rate |
|---|
| Fixed-ratio (reinforcer is delivered after a fixed number of responses are made) | High rate of responding with pauses after receiving reinforcement |
| Variable-ratio (reinforcer is delivered after a variable number of responses are made) | High rate of responding with fewer pauses after receiving reinforcement than for a fixed-ratio schedule |
| Fixed-interval (reinforcer is delivered after the first response is given once a fixed interval of time has elapsed) | Little or no responding followed by a high rate of responding as the end of the interval nears |
| Variable-interval (reinforcer is delivered after the first response is given once a variable interval of time has elapsed) | Steady rate of responding during the interval |