What are Ratio Schedules based on?

Ratio schedules are based on the number of responses made by an individual before a reinforcement is provided. In behavioral psychology, these schedules are designed to increase the frequency of a specific behavior by linking the reinforcement directly to the number of times that behavior is performed.

For example, in a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is given after a set number of responses (e.g., a reward after every tenth response). In a variable-ratio schedule, the reinforcement is given after a variable number of responses, which can create a high and steady rate of responding due to the unpredictability of when the next reward will be received.

This concept is distinct from other types of schedules. Time intervals refer to the duration instead of the response count, while variability of responses relates to how the responses fluctuate rather than the quantity. Feedback quality pertains to the effectiveness of the reinforcement rather than the ratio of responses leading to the reinforcement. Thus, the focus on the response count is what makes ratio schedules unique and effective in shaping behavior.