Fixed Ratio

Definition

A fixed ratio (FR) schedule of reinforcement is an operant conditioning paradigm where a behavior is reinforced after a specific, pre-determined number of responses have been made. The organism must emit the target behavior a fixed number of times before receiving the reinforcer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a fixed ratio schedule, the number of responses required for reinforcement remains constant throughout the session.
2. Fixed ratio schedules tend to produce a high, steady rate of responding from the organism as they work to earn the next reinforcer.
3. Increasing the fixed ratio requirement typically leads to a higher overall rate of responding, as the organism works harder to obtain the reinforcer.
4. Fixed ratio schedules are often used to train animals to perform complex behaviors, as the consistent reinforcement schedule encourages persistent responding.
5. Compared to variable ratio schedules, fixed ratio schedules are associated with more predictable patterns of responding and a higher resistance to extinction.

Review Questions

• Explain how a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement differs from other operant conditioning schedules.
  • In a fixed ratio schedule, the organism must emit the target behavior a specific, pre-determined number of times before receiving the reinforcer. This is in contrast to other schedules, such as fixed interval, where reinforcement is delivered based on a set amount of time, or variable ratio, where the number of responses required for reinforcement varies. The fixed ratio schedule encourages a high, steady rate of responding as the organism works to earn the next reinforcer after completing the fixed number of responses.
• Describe how the fixed ratio schedule can be used to train complex behaviors in animals.
  • The consistent reinforcement schedule of a fixed ratio schedule is effective for training animals to perform complex behaviors. As the animal learns the required number of responses needed to earn the reinforcer, they will persist in emitting the target behavior to obtain the reward. This allows trainers to gradually shape more complex behaviors by incrementally increasing the fixed ratio requirement. The predictable nature of the schedule also helps the animal learn the behavior more efficiently compared to other schedules.
• Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement compared to a variable ratio schedule.
  • The main advantage of a fixed ratio schedule is the predictable pattern of responding it encourages, which can be useful for training complex behaviors. Additionally, fixed ratio schedules are associated with a higher resistance to extinction compared to variable ratio schedules. However, a potential disadvantage is that fixed ratio schedules may be more susceptible to the phenomenon of 'post-reinforcement pause,' where the organism pauses responding after receiving a reinforcer. In contrast, variable ratio schedules tend to produce a more consistent, high rate of responding without these pauses. The choice between fixed and variable ratio schedules will depend on the specific learning goals and the behavior being targeted.

Related terms

Operant Conditioning: A type of learning where behaviors are strengthened or weakened by consequences, such as rewards and punishments.

Reinforcement: The process of providing a stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future.

Ratio Schedule: A schedule of reinforcement where a behavior is reinforced after a specific number of responses have been made.