Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

The variable ratio reinforcement schedule is characterized by delivering rewards after an unpredictable number of responses. This means that the subject does not know exactly when they will receive a reinforcement, which can lead to high and steady rates of responding. For example, in a gambling scenario, the payout occurs after an unpredictable number of plays, and this uncertainty can motivate individuals to continue engaging in the behavior, as they may eventually receive a reward. This schedule is effective in maintaining behavior over time because the inconsistent nature of the rewards keeps the participant motivated and engaged as they anticipate the possibility of a reward at any time after a varying number of actions.

In contrast, the fixed ratio schedule provides a reward after a specific number of responses, which may lead to short bursts of activity followed by pauses. The fixed interval schedule delivers rewards after a specific amount of time has passed, creating patterns of behavior that reflect the timing of the reward rather than the number of responses. The variable interval schedule, while also unpredictable, focuses on the time between rewards rather than the number of responses, leading to steady but slower rates of response compared to the variable ratio schedule.