An introductory text reads Continuous reinforcement is ideal for establishing new behaviors. But once learned, a behavior is best maintained through partial reinforcement. Partial reinforcement can be delivered according to four schedules: fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, and variable-interval.
The four schedules are depicted under the title, Timing is everything. The first section titled fixed-ratio, shows three pigeons pecking 5 times; text reads, reinforcement with food pellet on fifth peck. Text reads: Subject must exhibit a predetermined number of desired responses before a reinforcer is given.
The second section titled variable-ratio, shows three pigeons; the first pigeon pecks three times; text reads, reinforcement with food pellet on the third peck. The second pigeon pecks 8 times; text reads, reinforcement with food pellet on the eighth peck. The third pigeon pecks 4 times; text reads, reinforcement with food pellet on the fourth peck. Accompanying text reads, reinforcement is unpredictable, that is, the number of desired responses that must occur before a reinforcer is given changes across trials and is based on an average number of responses to be reinforced.
The third section titled fixed-interval, shows three pigeons. The first pigeon pecks one time and an arrow pointing to a time interval of 40 seconds reads reinforcement and shows a pellet. The second pigeon pecks 3 times and an arrow pointing to a time interval of 40 seconds reads reinforcement and shows a pellet. The third pigeon pecks twice and an arrow pointing to a time interval of 40 seconds reads: reinforcement and shows a pellet. A note below the third section reads: reinforcement at 40 second intervals (as long as there is at least one peck during the interval). Text reads: The reinforcer comes after a pre-established interval of time; the target response is only reinforced after the given time period is over.
The fourth section titled variable-interval, shows three pigeons. The first pigeon pecks twice and an arrow pointing to a time interval of 41 seconds reads reinforcement and shows a pellet. The second pigeon pecks once and an arrow pointing to a time interval of 43 seconds reads reinforcement and shows a pellet piece. The third pigeon pecks thrice and an arrow pointing a time interval of 40 seconds reads: reinforcement and shows a pellet. A note below the third section reads: reinforcement at variable intervals (as long as there is at least one peck during the interval). Text reads: Variable-Interval Reinforcement follows the first target response after the time interval has elapsed. The length of the time interval changes from trial to trial.
A section titled, test yourself, is at the bottom of the infographic. Text beside the title reads: Which schedule of reinforcement matches each of the following examples? Choose from fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, and variable-interval.
1, Checking the clock more frequently as the time for your favorite television show approaches is an example of (a blank line).
2, You listen intently to your favorite radio show because its producers will randomly select times throughout the day for listeners to call in to win free tickets to a concert. This is an example of (a blank line).
3, Finding it difficult to walk away from the slot machine because you think the next pull will be a winner is an example of (a blank line).
4, You consistently submit your chapter summaries to your instructor because you can earn 5 points for every 4 summaries submitted. This is an example of (a blank line).
Answers. 1, Fixed-interval, 2, Variable-interval, 3, Variable-ratio, 4, Fixed-ratio