Which reinforcement schedule delivers reinforcement after a fixed number of correct responses?

Which reinforcement schedule delivers reinforcement after a fixed number of correct responses?

• A. Variable interval
• B. Fixed interval
• C. Fixed ratio
• D. Variable ratio

Answer: (C)

The main idea is reinforcement tied to a specific number of responses. In a fixed ratio schedule, you get a reward only after you complete a set, unchanging number of responses, regardless of how much time passes. This leads to a burst of effort as you approach the next reinforcement and a brief pause right after receiving it. It differs from the others because the others depend on time (interval schedules) or on an unpredictable number of responses (variable ratio). A common example is piecework pay, where reinforcement occurs after producing a fixed number of items.

The main idea is reinforcement tied to a specific number of responses. In a fixed ratio schedule, you get a reward only after you complete a set, unchanging number of responses, regardless of how much time passes. This leads to a burst of effort as you approach the next reinforcement and a brief pause right after receiving it. It differs from the others because the others depend on time (interval schedules) or on an unpredictable number of responses (variable ratio). A common example is piecework pay, where reinforcement occurs after producing a fixed number of items.