Reinforcement Schedules

Fixed ratio positive reinforcement is where a reward is given after a specific number of desired behaviors. 

For example, a child might receive a sticker every time they complete five homework assignments. This means the reward is given after a fixed number of behaviors, encouraging the child to repeat the behavior to earn more rewards.

The most common use of Fixed Ratio scheduling (FR) Would be an FR1 schedule where a child working on a few skill gets access to a reinforcer for each and every correct or successful response.

Variable ratio reinforcement scheduling is a plan where a reward is given after an unpredictable number of desired behaviors. 

For example, a child practicing writing letters might receive a sticker after writing 5 letters correctly, then after 10, then after 3, and so on. The number of correctly written letters required for a reward varies each time, which can make this type of reinforcement very effective in maintaining behavior because the child keeps practicing in anticipation of the next reward.

Variable Ratio schedules are expressed by the average number of responses that are reinforced for example a VR3 schedule is involves providing a reinforcer for an average of every 3 correct responses. 

When paired with well-delivered positive reinforcement, Variable Ratio schedules are the most successful at maintaining skills successfully

A Fixed Interval reinforcement is where a reward is given after a specific period of time during which the desired behavior is exhibited. 

For example, if a child is sitting nicely at circle time, they might receive praise or a small reward every 2 minutes as long as they continue to sit nicely. This means the reward is given after a fixed amount of time, encouraging the child to maintain the behavior to receive the reward.

Variable interval reinforcement is where a reward is given after an unpredictable amount of time during which the desired behavior is exhibited. 

For example, if a child is sitting nicely at circle time, they might receive praise or a small reward after 2 minutes, then after 3 minutes, then after 1 minutes, and so on, as long as they continue to sit nicely. The time intervals between rewards vary, which can encourage the child to maintain the behavior consistently in anticipation of the next reward.