Term
| Schedule or Reinforcement |
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Definition
| The rule describing the delivery of reinforcement. Often the most important difference affecting behavior. |
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Term
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Definition
| A particular kind of reinforcement schedule tends to produce a particular pattern and rate of performance. Remarkably reliable. When a given schedule is in force for some time, the pattern of behavior is very predictable. |
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Term
| Continuous Reinforcement (CRF) |
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Definition
| The simplest of simple schedules. A behavior is reinforced everytime it occurs. Its opposite of extinction, which can be thought of as a schedule of nonreinforcemnt. Each reinforcement strengthens behavior, so continuous reinforcement leads to very rapid increases in the rate of behavior. Typically leads to the most rapid learning of new behavior, but is rare in the natural environment. |
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Term
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Definition
| Behavior is said to be on this schedule when reinforcement occurs on some occasions but not others. |
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Term
| Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule |
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Definition
| A behavior is reinforced when it has occured a fixed number of times.Continuous reinforcement is actually a kind of fixed ratio schedule and may be designated FR 1. Animals on this schedule perform at a high rate, often punctuated by short pauses after reinforcement. |
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Term
| Variable Ratio (VR) Schedules |
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Definition
| The number of a behavior to occur required for reinforcement varies around an average. In a VR 5 schedule, reinforcement might occur after one to ten lever presses, but the overall average will be one reinforcemnt for every five presses. Common in natural environments. As fast as a cheetah is, it does not bring down a victim every time it gives chase. That said, one in every so many attempts will be reinforced. |
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