A reinforcement schedule is the rule for when a behavior is reinforced. RBTs need to know the four basic intermittent schedules plus continuous reinforcement.
The main schedules
- Continuous reinforcement (CRF): every correct response is reinforced. Often used when teaching a new skill.
- Fixed ratio (FR): reinforcement after a set number of responses, such as every 5th response.
- Variable ratio (VR): reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses that averages a set number.
- Fixed interval (FI): reinforcement for the first response after a set time. See fixed interval.
- Variable interval (VI): reinforcement for the first response after a varying time. See variable interval.
Ratio or interval?
Ratio schedules count responses. Interval schedules depend on time passing. “Fixed” means the requirement stays the same and “variable” means it changes around an average.
Thinning reinforcement
After a skill is learned, the supervisor may thin reinforcement from continuous to intermittent so the skill lasts outside teaching sessions. The RBT follows the plan as written.
Common mistake
Confusing fixed and variable. Fixed means a set amount; variable means an average that changes.
Quick check
Which schedules are ratio-based? Those counting responses rather than time.
Keep studying
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